Apple Pulls ICE-Tracking Apps After Pressure From Trump Administration

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 (Reuters) — Apple has removed ICEBlock and similar mobile apps from its App Store after being contacted by the Trump administration, marking a rare instance of U.S. government intervention leading to app removals.

The apps alerted users when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were conducting raids nearby. The Justice Department argued that such tools could endanger federal officers.

Apple confirmed the move in a statement, citing “safety risks associated with ICEBlock” based on information from law enforcement. Fox Business first reported the removal, which was later confirmed by the Justice Department.

Google also took down similar apps from its Play Store for policy violations but said it acted independently and was not contacted by U.S. officials.

Attorney General Pam Bondi called the app “a threat to law enforcement,” adding that violence against ICE agents “is an intolerable red line.”

Joshua Aaron, the Texas-based developer behind ICEBlock, condemned Apple’s decision, saying it amounted to “capitulating to an authoritarian regime.” He said his legal team was considering next steps.

Civil rights advocates argue that surveillance of ICE activities is constitutionally protected, as long as it doesn’t interfere with official duties. Courts have long upheld the right to record public law enforcement actions.

The episode comes as Trump ramps up hardline immigration enforcement, backed by $75 billion in new ICE funding through 2029.

Apple’s decision could heighten scrutiny of its relationship with the Trump White House, as tech companies seek to avoid policy clashes, especially on trade and tariffs.

While Apple routinely removes tens of thousands of apps for policy violations, government-initiated removals are rare. In 2024, most of Apple’s government-requested takedowns — over 1,300 apps — came from China, followed by Russia and South Korea.