Summary
The US government and law enforcement agencies have criticized apps that track the locations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, arguing that they put agents' lives at risk. These apps, like ICEBlock, let users report the presence of ICE agents on a map, which some claim endangers law enforcement officers. The developer of ICEBlock argues that the app is meant to keep people safe, especially amid increased ICE activity during the Trump administration.
Key Facts
- The US government is concerned about apps that track ICE agents, saying they risk the safety of ICE personnel.
- FBI claims an assailant involved in a Dallas shooting used such an app to track ICE.
- The ICEBlock app, popular for tracking ICE, was launched in April and downloaded over a million times.
- The app helps users report locations of ICE agents to warn others in the area.
- ICEBlock's developer, Joshua Aaron, says the app was created in response to increased ICE raids.
- US Attorney General accused Aaron of endangering law enforcement but he denies these claims.
- Some undocumented migrants use the app to avoid ICE agents, stating they do not intend to harm officers.
- Other users have been reportedly feeding false information into the apps to disrupt ICE operations.
