Apple has taken down an app that uses crowdsourcing to flag sightings of U.S. immigration agents, apparently after being pressured by U.S. authorities.
ICEBlock, a free iPhone-only app lets users anonymously report and monitor activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, was no longer available on Apple’s App Store as of Friday.
“We just received a message from Apple’s App Review that #ICEBlock has been removed from the App Store due to 'objectionable content,’” the developer said in a social media post. “The only thing we can imagine is this is due to pressure from the Trump Admin. We have responded and we’ll fight this!”
The app's developer mentioned that it had over 1 million users before removal. However, those users who downloaded ICEBlock prior to its removal will still be able to access and use the app.
Apple has not responded immediately to latest requests for comments on the situation. However, the company, in a statement to various media outlets acknowledged that it aims to create a “safe and trusted place to discover apps,” and was responding to information from law enforcement about potential safety risks associated with ICEBlock.
In recent months, downloads of apps like ICEBlock have surged as the Trump administration increased immigration enforcement, notably through surprise raids. Concerns have been raised surrounding these technologies; especially after an incident involving a gunman who opened fire on an ICE facility who had searched for apps tracking ICE agents.
