US legislators urge Google and Apple to delete apps that track immigration agents

On December 5, the House Committee on Homeland Security called on Google and Apple to explain the measures they are taking to remove mobile applications that enable users to monitor federal immigration personnel. In letters addressed to Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Apple CEO Tim Cook on Friday, committee leaders specifically referenced ICEBlock, an app formerly used to track U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, warning that such apps could "endanger the safety of DHS staff."

The committee requested that both companies provide a briefing by December 12, urging them to prevent these applications from being exploited to target officers or interfere with lawful immigration enforcement. While recognizing the protection of free speech, lawmakers emphasized that it does not cover advocacy that incites immediate illegal activity, citing a key Supreme Court decision.

Concerns have arisen that these tools allow users to anonymously report and follow federal agents, including those from ICE and Customs and Border Protection. In October, Google stated that ICEBlock was never available on its Play Store and that it had removed similar apps for violating policies. Apple also took down ICEBlock and related tracking applications from its App Store, citing policy breaches.

Attorney General Pam Bondi commented that the apps "expose ICE officers to danger simply for performing their duties." The removal actions came after ICEBlock saw a surge in popularity, amassing over a million users before being taken offline.

Author: Chloe Ramirez