JAKARTA - A new iPhone application called ICEBlock suddenly went viral because it allowed users to report the existence of ICE (US Immigration and Customs Agency) officers in real-time. Although the creator stated that the application only aims as a warning tool, a number of parties, including US government officials, considered this application to endanger law enforcement and would likely face legal challenges.
In an interview with CNN, Joshua Aaron, the app developer, admitted that he started making ICEBlock in April after witnessing a crackdown on immigrants by the Trump administration. He said the deportation measures reminded him of Nazi practices, in Germany.
"When I saw what was happening in this country, I felt I had to do something to fight back. We're literally watching history happen again," said Aaron.
This app allows users who see the presence of ICE officers to tag the location on the map. They can also add notes, such as descriptions of the officer's clothing or the vehicle used. All users within a 5-mile radius of the report point will receive a warning notification.
Aaron emphasized that this application is not intended to interfere with ICE operations, but only to give a warning to the public. He includes warning messages in the application:
Please note that the use of this application is only for information and notification purposes. Not to be used in triggering violence or disturbing law enforcement officials.
SEE ALSO:
Not Everyone Agrees
It's no surprise that ICEBlock is disliked by law enforcement. In an interview at Hannity, US Attorney General Pam Bondi strongly criticized the app and gave Aaron a direct warning.
Our ICE officers, all our federal agents who work together in this task force, could be injured, Bondi said.
He told the criminals where our federal officers are. And he can't do that. We are overseeing the app, we are watching him, and he has to be careful, because this is not part of the freedom of speech that is protected. This endangers the lives of law enforcement officers across the country," Bondi added.
Currently, ICEBlock is only available on the iPhone. It's not clear whether Apple will keep the app on the App Store, or whether the Trump administration will pressure Apple to remove it.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
