Justice Department faces new investigation for allegedly pressuring app to remove ICE agent tracking app from app stores

As the United States steps up its crackdown on illegal immigration, apps that allow users to share information about sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have become popular in app stores. However, as of the time of writing, the ICE officer tracking app has been removed at the request of the Department of Justice. A House of Representatives member has opened an investigation into whether the Department of Justice pressured Apple and Google to remove the app.

Raskin probes DOJ after Apple, Google blocked ICE tracking app - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/06/raskin-probes-doj-after-apple-google-blocked-ice-tracking-app-00767914

DOJ faces investigation over removal of ICE-tracking apps from the App Store - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/09/doj-faces-investigation-over-removal-of-ice-tracking-apps-from-the-app-store/

Since President Donald Trump took office, the United States has been stepping up its crackdown on illegal immigrants. This has led to the popularity of the app 'ICEBlock,' which allows users to share information about sightings of ICE officers who are tasked with cracking down on illegal immigrants.

ICEBlock, an app that lets users report sightings of law enforcement officials as part of President Trump's nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration, has topped the US App Store's free app rankings.

ICEBlock has been criticized by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, and following a fatal incident believed to be related to ICEBlock, ICEBlock will be removed from the App Store.

Regarding the removal of ICEBlock, the developer responded, 'We received a message that ICEBlock has been removed from the App Store for 'inappropriate content'. This is likely due to pressure from the Trump administration. We have already taken action and will fight back!'

In response, Attorney General Pam Bondi said, 'Today, I contacted Apple to request that they remove the ICEBlock app from the App Store.' 'We will continue to do everything in our power to protect the federal law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to keep the American people safe,' she said, revealing her request for the removal of ICEBlock.

Apple removes ICEBlock app from App Store, allowing users to anonymously report sightings of ICE officers - Attorney General confirms request

ICEBlock developer Joshua Aaron is suing key members of the Trump administration, alleging that ICEBlock was wrongfully removed from the App Store.

ICEBlock, an app that posts eyewitness accounts of illegal immigration crackdowns, sues the Trump administration - GIGAZINE

It has now been revealed that Representative Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee , has launched an investigation into whether the Department of Justice pressured Apple and Google to remove ICEBlock and other apps tracking ICE agents from their app stores.

According to reports, Senator Raskin has requested the Department of Justice turn over 'records of communications with Google and Apple related to discussions regarding an app that would crowdsource ICE officer sightings.'

When ICEBlock was removed from the App Store, Apple simply stated, 'The App Store is designed to be a safe and trusted place to find apps. We received information from law enforcement about safety risks associated with ICEBlock, and we removed ICEBlock and similar apps from the App Store.'

Senator Raskin is also calling for a formal report on the Department of Justice's involvement in the app removals to determine whether federal officials improperly influenced Apple and Google's moderation.