Apple has removed ICEBlock and several similar apps from its App Store after government officials raised concerns about safety risks linked to tools that let users track US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The growth of ICE-Tracking Apps A growing number of mobile apps are helping immigrants stay safe amid ICE deportations, providing critical information such as “Know Your Rights” guides and legal aid resources. Among them was ICEBlock, which allowed users to anonymously report sightings of ICE agents in their area, including descriptions of what the agents were wearing. ICEBlock quickly gained
ICE has recently spent approximately $4 million on facial recognition technology to investigate individuals it believes have harmed law enforcement officers, according to procurement records obtained by 404 Media. The records suggest that ICE is purchasing the technology to identify people who might assault the agency’s officers as they continue the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts. Continuous claims from authorities state that members of the public have assaulted or attacked ICE or immigration enforcement officers. But charges related to these claims have been dropped or lowered when it was highlighted
ICE will have access to Israeli-made spyware that can hack into any phone and view encrypted messages. The Department of Homeland Security first entered into a contract with Paragon Solutions in 2024. But the Biden Administration put the $2 million deal on pause as it faced compliance reviews related to privacy and security concerns. The Guardian reports that the pause has now been lifted, allowing ICE to have access to the tool. Paragon’s Graphite software will enable agencies to infiltrate smartphones, access encrypted applications such as WhatsApp, extract data, and
The Trump administration is looking to issue a contract worth up to $25 million to DNA-test families targeted for deportation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as stated by Bloomberg. Campaigners are concerned that these tests could be used to separate children from their caregivers, such as non-biological family members like godparents. Additionally, advocates worry that there’s a broader plan by the administration to collect genetic data at US borders for other purposes, like criminal investigations. $25 million contract to DNA test families In mid-May, the agency issued a contract
