A smartphone application that allows users to mark and track the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers has drawn fierce condemnation from former officials and White House personnel. The app, known as ICEBlock, allows users to pinpoint reported ICE sightings on a map, alerting nearby individuals in real time. Critics say the tool jeopardizes the safety of law enforcement officers and could facilitate targeted attacks.
CNN aired a segment describing the app’s functionality, which triggered swift backlash. Former ICE Director and current White House Border Czar Tom Homan denounced both the platform and the network. “It’s simply disgusting,” he said on Monday. “Any network that covers that is disgusting as well.” He called on the Department of Justice to investigate.
The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, echoed Homan’s alarm, stating, “It sounds like this would be an incitement of further violence against our ICE officers.” She added, “It’s unacceptable that a major network would promote such an app that is encouraging violence against law enforcement officers who are trying to keep our country safe.”
The ICEBlock app works by allowing users to tap a map and flag the location of an ICE agent. Everyone within a five-mile radius receives a push notification. Critics argue that such a feature transforms officers into moving targets. Homan warned, “It’s only a matter of time before ICE officers are going to be ambushed by some nut,” referencing past incidents where agents were physically attacked while on duty.
“This shouldn’t be a partisan issue,” Homan insisted. “Assaults on ICE agents have gone up 500%. These guys are putting their lives on the line every day going after the worst of the worst.” He expressed disbelief that those enforcing the law are increasingly treated as villains. “It’s incredible that those who enforce law, all of a sudden they’re the bad guys, the ones who break the law, they’re victims. It’s disgusting.”
Supporters of the app may claim it’s a form of civil resistance, but to law enforcement advocates, it signals a broader hostility toward the rule of law. ICE officers are tasked with apprehending dangerous individuals — including human traffickers, violent felons, and national security threats. Making their positions public doesn’t increase transparency; it raises the risk of ambush, harassment, and injury.
