Tech Vet Builds ‘Early Warning System’ App to Track ICE Agents
Credit: ICEBlock
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Joshua Aaron, a 20-year tech industry veteran, launched an iOS (only) app a couple of months ago designed to alert people of nearby Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents (ICE). ICEBlock (See something, tap something) currently has about 30,000 users. As you might imagine, the app is both gaining users and stirring up controversy.
ICEBlock keeps users informed about ICE sightings within a 5-mile radius of your location (if you allow the app to use your location at all times). According to ICEBlock’s website, the app was modeled after Waze, the popular community-driven navigation app that includes crowdsourced updates about traffic, hazards, constructions, and more. Waze was acquired by Google in 2013 and its features have since been integrated into Google Maps, but it still exists as a standalone app. So, ICEBlock is “Modeled after Waze but for ICE sightings…”.
Perhaps most important to ICEBlock users are the app’s privacy features. According to ICEBlock, they do not store any personal data, “making it impossible to trace reports back to individual users.” After four hours, sighting reports automatically disappear.
Aaron recently sat down with CNN’s Clare Duffy and remarked, “When I saw what was happening in this country, I wanted to do something to fight back.” This interview drew the attention and ire of both ICE director, Todd Lyons, and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Lyons blasted CNN’s interview with Aaron, claiming, “They’re interfering and impeding and putting law enforcement officers at risk. This app only puts law enforcement lives at risk because you’re going to have people interfering with an ICE operation…”. In a later interview with Fox News, Attorney General Bondi warned Aaron, “We’re looking at him and he better watch out.”
While Lyons is understandably concerned with the protection of his agents, ICEBlock users receive a warning when they input a sighting indicating the app is for, “information and notification purposes only” and “not to be used for the purposes of inciting violence or interfering with law enforcement.” Despite the current administration’s clear condemnation of the app, there don’t seem to be specific examples of the app’s use inciting violence. We’ll keep you posted on any major developments. In the meantime, we hope everyone stays safe.
