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Apple Removes ICEBlock From App Store After DOJ Pressure

Bondi cites officer safety risks tied to the Dallas ICE shooting.

Overview

  • Apple said it acted on information from law enforcement about safety risks and removed ICEBlock along with similar apps from the App Store.
  • The Justice Department, directed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, asked Apple on Thursday to pull the app and publicly took credit for the takedown.
  • ICEBlock let users anonymously report and see crowdsourced sightings of immigration enforcement officers in their area.
  • Authorities say the Dallas ICE facility shooting suspect searched his phone for tracking tools, including ICEBlock, before the Sept. 24 attack that killed two detainees and injured another.
  • Developer Joshua Aaron disputes that the app endangers officers, says it has over 1.1 million users, and plans to challenge Apple’s decision as free‑speech concerns about platform pressure reemerge.