ICEBlock, an app that lets customers anonymously report sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, has soared up App Retailer charts after receiving criticism from the Trump administration. On Monday, US Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem responded to CNN’s protection of ICEBlock in a submit on X, calling it an “obstruction of justice.”
Following this remark, ICEBlock grew in recognition in a single day, bringing it to the highest of the App Retailer on Tuesday earlier than dropping to the third spot on the time of writing. In keeping with its web site, ICEBlock lets customers report sightings of ICE officers with “two faucets” and look at reviews that others have made inside a five-mile radius.” It additionally says the app shops no private information, “making it unattainable to hint reviews again to particular person customers.”
On Tuesday, Noem instructed reporters that she’s going to work with the Division of Justice to see if the Trump administration can “prosecute” CNN over its ICEBlock report: “What they’re doing is actively encouraging folks to keep away from legislation enforcement actions and operations.” ICE performing Director Todd Lyons additionally claimed CNN’s reporting is “willfully endangering the lives of officers.”
A message inside ICEBlock says “it’s not for use for the needs of inciting violence or interfering with legislation enforcement,” in accordance with CNN. ICEBlock launched in April in response to President Trump’s mass deportation efforts throughout the nation. CNN says ICEBlock has over 20,000 customers who’re largely positioned in Los Angeles, the place many ICE raids are being carried out.
The Trump administration’s threats have solely appeared to extend curiosity in ICEBlock, which has since seen fakes make their solution to the Google Play Retailer, the place it’s at present not obtainable as a result of “there isn’t any method to supply 100% anonymity” on Android, in accordance with the app’s developer. Trump supporters and right-wing influencers have additionally began interacting with the app, with a few of them claiming they’re “flooding” ICEBlock with pretend reviews in an try to drown out actual sightings.
The Verge reached out to Apple with a request for remark about ICEBlock’s presence on the App Retailer however didn’t instantly hear again.
