Overview
- The lawsuit was filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and names Attorney General Pam Bondi, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, and border czar Tom Homan.
- The complaint alleges the Justice Department pressured Apple to delist ICEBlock after Bondi publicly said she demanded its removal, and the department has acknowledged contacting Apple.
- Apple told the developer it acted on “information provided by law enforcement” indicating the app could be used to harm officers; Apple is not a defendant and declined comment.
- ICEBlock had more than 1 million iOS users before its October takedown, remains usable for prior downloads, and the suit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief plus protection from prosecution.
- The fight accompanies removals of similar apps by Apple and Google and a separate EFF suit seeking records of government contacts with tech firms, while House Homeland Security leaders have requested Apple and Google briefings by Dec. 12.