A popular app used to track Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers has been removed from Apple’s App Store, sparking a lawsuit against the U.S. government.
The developer, Joshua Aaron, filed a federal lawsuit on Monday challenging the decision by Apple to remove ICEBlock following complaints from the Trump administration. The app had over one million users before its removal last October.
Named as defendants in the case are Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, along with ICE Director Todd Lyons among other officials. Their agency confirmed they contacted Apple regarding the removal of the app due to concerns about officer safety and potential risks posed by providing real-time locations of immigration agents.
ICE officers often carry out arrests at businesses or homes after court hearings in part to gather information through such apps as per public reports, though this is not officially acknowledged.
Opponents of the administration’s strict immigration policies have used ICEBlock since its launch earlier this year. Aaron submitted it for Apple approval and it remained available until October when it was pulled from distribution.
Aaron argues that by targeting his application, the government is infringing on citizens’ right to report law enforcement activity in public spaces under free speech protections. He believes this action undermines constitutional rights against all Americans.
ICEBlock App Developer Sues Trump Administration Over Removal From Apple App Store
A developer of an app known as ICEBlock has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging that its removal from the Apple App Store constitutes a violation of free speech rights.
Joshua Aaron is the creator behind ICEBlock, which was widely used by over one million people before being removed by Apple last year following pressure from the Trump administration. The app allowed users to report on public observations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers’ activities.
The complaint specifically targets Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and ICE Director Todd Lyons among other officials as defendants. Their departments confirmed contact was made with Apple regarding removing the application due to concerns about officer safety and potential hazards for law enforcement personnel.
Aaron believes his app served a purpose similar to popular mapping applications that alert users about police locations during patrols near sensitive areas or at events where crowds gather, allowing citizens to document activities without interfering directly.
