Apple has removed several mobile apps that allowed users to anonymously track the movements of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, following pressure from the Trump administration.
The move comes amid mounting controversy over President Donald Trump’s mass deportation drive, which has triggered nationwide protests and heightened scrutiny of ICE operations.
Safety Concerns After Deadly Shooting
US officials argued the apps posed a serious risk to federal officers, citing a deadly shooting last month at an ICE facility in Texas. Investigators believe the gunman, who killed two detainees and injured another, had used one of the apps to monitor ICE activity before the attack.
“Based on information we’ve received from law enforcement about the safety risks associated with ICEBlock, we have removed it and similar apps from the App Store,” Apple said in a statement to NBC News.
Trump Officials Pressured Apple
The Justice Department confirmed it had directly contacted Apple. Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox Business that federal officials demanded the removal of ICEBlock, one of the most popular ICE-tracking apps.
“Apple did so,” Bondi said.
Protests Over Deportations Continue
Thousands of migrants have been detained in recent weeks as ICE agents — many operating masked — intensified arrests in major cities. Activists accused the government of using intimidation tactics, while federal officials insist the apps compromised national security.
As of Thursday evening, AFP reporters confirmed that ICEBlock and other similar apps were no longer accessible on the App Store.
Apple has not commented further on whether the apps will remain permanently banned.
