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U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a strong warning Monday night to Joshua Aaron, the developer behind ICEBlock, a controversial app that allows users to anonymously report sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in real time. Bondi condemned the app as a direct threat to federal law enforcement and sharply criticized CNN for its recent coverage that effectively promoted the tool.
ICEBlock enables users to share the locations of ICE agents, including descriptions of their clothing, vehicles, and other identifying details. Aaron told CNN he created the app as a way to “fight back” against what he perceives as harsh immigration enforcement policies under President Donald Trump’s administration. Aaron even compared deportations to Nazi Germany, drawing sharp rebuke from critics.
Although the app includes a disclaimer urging users not to interfere with law enforcement or incite violence, Bondi warned during an appearance on Fox News’ Hannity that ICEBlock poses a real danger to federal agents working immigration enforcement and other law enforcement personnel.
“Our ICE agents, all of our federal agents working hand in hand on these task forces — they could be injured,” Bondi said. “He’s sending a message to criminals about where our federal officers are. That cannot be allowed. We are looking at him, and he better watch out, because that is not protected speech. It is threatening the lives of law enforcement officers throughout this country.”
Bondi’s comments reflect rising concerns within the Department of Justice that ICEBlock could undermine federal law enforcement operations and jeopardize officer safety. Legal action against Aaron may be forthcoming, Bondi indicated, though no formal charges have been announced.
The Attorney General also took aim at CNN for what she called “promoting” the app through its coverage. “Shame on them,” she said, accusing the network of irresponsibly amplifying a tool that jeopardizes public safety and law enforcement effectiveness.
The ICEBlock app has ignited heated debate about the balance between immigrant rights activism and law enforcement authority. Supporters argue it empowers communities to protect themselves from what they view as aggressive federal overreach, while opponents warn it creates dangerous risks for officers and threatens national security.
As the DOJ weighs potential legal steps, the controversy highlights the deep divisions in America’s immigration debate and the challenges law enforcement faces in the current political climate.
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