How to Download ICEBlock
Immigration and Customs Enforcement worksite enforcement operation in Canton, Mississippi US Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Flickr

A newly developed app could prove to be a game changer in the fight against US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. ICEBlock, a new mobile app, alerts immigrants if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are nearby. It also empowers Americans who oppose deportation operations to support immigrant communities.

Joshua Aaron: The developer behind ICEBlock

Joshua Aaron, an app developer and musician, is the creator of ICEBlock. Active in the tech industry for nearly 20 years, Aaron began developing apps at 13, launching his first creation, a blackjack game, at a young age.

Now, his latest app serves a far greater purpose: helping protect vulnerable communities from immigration raids. ICEBlock was launched in April after Trump intensified deportation efforts.

'When I saw what was happening in this country, I wanted to do something to fight back,' Aaron told CNN Business. 'We're literally watching history repeat itself,' he added.

How does the ICEBlock app work?

Aaron designed ICEBlock as an early warning system that relies on community-sourced information. Users can mark locations on a map where they spot ICE agents and add notes describing the officers' appearance or uniforms.

Immigrants and supporters then receive notifications if ICE agents are near their location, allowing them to avoid potential encounters. However, Aaron emphasised that the app does not encourage interference with law enforcement.

'Please note that the use of this app is for information and notification purposes only. It is not to be used for inciting violence or interfering with law enforcement,' Aaron explained.

As of publication, ICEBlock has attracted over 20,000 users, with most based in Los Angeles, a hotspot for large-scale deportation operations.

How to download ICEBlock

Downloading ICEBlock is simple. Users can visit the official website (https://www.iceblock.app/) or find it on the Apple App Store. Currently, the app is only available on iOS devices.

iOS users receive alerts about ICE presence within a 5-mile radius. The app maintains user anonymity through real-time updates and automatically removes sightings after four hours. Aaron has not confirmed if an Android version is planned but hinted at possible updates in the future.

ICE condemns ICEBlock as 'sickening'

ICE officials have criticised the app, arguing that it endangers agents. Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, called the app 'sickening', claiming it 'paints a target on federal law enforcement officers' backs' and incites violence against agents.

ICEBlock App: New Tool Against Trump's Immigration Crackdown

Joshua Aaron—an app developer and musician—is the one behind the new anti-ICE tool. He has been in the tech industry for around 20 years now. He started his app development career at the age of 13. During that period, he had already created his first app, which was a blackjack game.

Now, his newest application has a better purpose and bigger goal: to fight against ICE immigration raids. The ICEBlock was launched back in April after Donald Trump started his immigrant deportations.

'When I saw what was happening in this country, I wanted to do something to fight back,' said Aaron via CNN Business. He added: 'We're literally watching history repeat itself.'

How the ICEBlock App Works

Aaron designed the new ICEBlock app as an early warning system for users. It relies on people who share the locations where they spot ICE agents. The app allows users to contribute by adding a pin on the map, as well as notes to describe what the deportation officers look like or what they are wearing.

Immigrants and other users will then receive a notification if the ICE agents are near their locations. These notifs will help them avoid the officers. But, Aaron clarified that his app doesn't encourage people to interfere with the immigration agency's raids.

'Please note that the use of this app is for information and notification purposes only. It is not to be used for the purposes of inciting violence or interfering with law enforcement,' explained the ICEBlock App developer.

As of press time, the latest ICEBlock App already has over 20,000 users. Most of them are in Los Angeles since it is where large-scale ICE deportation operations take place.

How to Download the ICEBlock App

Downloading the ICEBlock App is pretty easy. All you have to do is visit the app's official website (https://www.iceblock.app/) or look for it on the Apple App Store. Unfortunately, the new app is only available on iOS devices.

iOS users can stay informed regarding ICE's presence within a 5-mile radius. Their identities are protected since the app maintains anonymity through real-time updates and automatic removal of sightings after four hours. Joshua Aaron hasn't confirmed if he'll release his app on Android devices. But, he could provide more updates soon.

ICE Calls ICEBlock App 'Sickening'

ICE commented against the app, saying that it could affect agents' safety. Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, said that the new app is 'sickening' since it 'paints a target on federal law enforcement officers' backs.' He also claimed that the ICEBlock application encourages violence.

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