ICE-Spotting App Tops U.S. App Store Downloads Amid White House Criticism

Controversial ICE-Tracking App Tops Charts Despite White House Criticism

The free app ICEBlock, designed to track U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in real time, has surged to become the most downloaded iPhone app amid escalating tensions over immigration enforcement. Its rise followed public condemnation from the White House, which accused the app of endangering law enforcement and obstructing justice.

How It Works
Modeled after navigation app Waze, ICEBlock allows users to anonymously report ICE agent sightings within a five-mile radius, pinning locations on a map and adding context (e.g., "checkpoint" or "raids"). Created by Texas developer Joshua Aaron, the app had over 95,200 users by early July.

ICEBlock’s interface shows real-time reports of ICE activity (Image Source: Daily Mail)

White House Backlash
The Trump Administration slammed the app, linking it to a reported 500% increase in assaults on ICE agents during recent deportation raids. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called it an “obstruction of justice,” while Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons accused media outlets like CNN of “willfully endangering officers” by covering the app.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the app during a briefing, stating, “This incites violence against officers … who are removing public safety threats.” The Department of Homeland Security tweeted a warning: “If you obstruct or assault our law enforcement, we will hunt you down.”

Developer’s Defense
Aaron, who describes himself as “Proud Antifa” (anti-fascist) on social media, argued the app is meant for “information and notification,” not violence. He compared ICE tactics in cities like Los Angeles to “Nazi Germany” and stated, “I wanted to help fight back.” Critics, however, highlight Antifa’s history of militant opposition to far-right groups.

ICEBlock creator Joshua Aaron (Image Source: NBC News)

Media Controversy
CNN denied promoting the app after the White House accused it of aiding migrants in evading raids. The network stated, “Reporting on a publicly available app isn’t endorsement.” Meanwhile, ICEBlock’s popularity eclipsed apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, though Apple doesn’t release exact download figures.

Growing Tensions
As deportations intensify, clashes between immigration activists and authorities have worsened. Civil liberties groups criticize ICE’s use of armed, masked agents in “sanctuary cities,” while Aaron’s app fuels debates over privacy, safety, and free speech.

ICE agents conduct a raid amid increased scrutiny (Image Source: DHS)

Despite Aaron’s claims of neutrality, the app remains a flashpoint in America’s immigration debate—balancing community protection against accusations of jeopardizing law enforcement.