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US gov wants Google and Apple to take down websites tracking ICE and friends

Date:
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:35:00 +0000

Description:
The US government wants to ensure that apps like ICEBlock dont make it to
online app stores.

FULL STORY

The US House Committee on Homeland Security is pressuring Google and Apple to
remove apps that let users track federal immigration officers. 

 Letters addressed to CEOs Sundar Pichai and Tim Cook specifically target the
app ICEBlock, an app previously used to monitor US Immigration and Customs
Enforcement agents, and one thats now jeopardizi[ng] the safety of DHS
personnel. 

As a result, both Google and Apple have been asked to provide briefings by
December 12 on how they are handling preventing such apps from their
platforms.

DHS has concerns over ICE agent tracking apps 

The US government is worried that users can anonymously track ICE and CBP
agents to warn communities of enforcement activity. Though no longer
available, ICEBlock amassed over one million users before being taken town. 

One of these apps, ICEBlock, was used by a gunman to track the movement of 
ICE agents prior to a deadly shooting in September at an ICE facility in
Dallas, Texas, the letter reads. 

Apple removed the app from its App Store over concerns that its content could
harm individuals or groups, and Google asserts the app was never available on
its Play Store. Both have also removed other similar apps. 

A post on the ICEBlock website notifying users the app was removed from the
App Store reads: ICEBlock is no different from crowd sourcing speed traps,
which every notable mapping application, including Apple's own Maps app,
implements as part of its core services. This is protected speech under the
first amendment of the United States Constitution. 

In recent years, ICE has faced criticism for alleged civil rights abuses and
failures to adhere to constitutional principles and due process, making it
crucial for communities to stay informed about its operations, the website 
and app developers continue. 

Although the app is no longer available to download, as of December 8 2025, 
it still functions on devices that already have it installed. 

======================================================================
Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/pro/us-gov-wants-google-and-apple-to-take-down-websi
tes-tracking-ice-and-friends

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