"Apple has removed ICEBlock and other apps from its App Store that allow users to anonymously report sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, following pressure from the Trump administration. The app, which went viral earlier this year, allowed users to lawfully share information about where they've seen ICE agents within a 5-mile radius of their location, and also share details of the clothing agents are wearing."
"According to various media reports, Apple said it removed the apps after it was contacted by "law enforcement" about "safety risks" associated with ICEBlock and similar apps. Fox Business first reported the removal on Thursday, quoting U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi as saying Justice Department officials contacted Apple to remove apps like ICEBlock at her direction. It's worth noting that ICEBlock does not collect or store any user data, which TechCrunch has confirmed by analyzing the app's network traffic as part of a test."
"The takedown comes in the wake of mounting tensions between the Trump administration and those who oppose the government's hardline immigration agenda, especially after a shooting at an ICE detention center in Dallas last week resulted in two detainees being killed and one in hospital. CNBC cited an FBI official claiming that the gunman had searched apps tracking the presence of ICE agents."
Apple removed ICEBlock and similar apps from the App Store after law enforcement raised safety concerns about publicly sharing ICE agent locations. ICEBlock allowed users to anonymously report ICE sightings within a five-mile radius and to describe agents' clothing. Fox Business reported U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Justice Department officials contacted Apple to remove apps at her direction. TechCrunch confirmed ICEBlock does not collect or store user data by analyzing the app's network traffic. The removal followed a shooting at a Dallas ICE detention center; CNBC cited an FBI official saying the gunman had searched apps tracking ICE agents. Government officials contend such apps endanger federal workers and have threatened legal action.
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