If you have been following the news, you might have noticed an uptick in ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids and deportations in the US right now. Some argue for this, and some argue against it. One developer, Joshua Aaron, is against it, so he created an app called ICEBlock, which is now going viral.
The ICEBlock app goes viral
Speaking to CNN, Aaron said that he created the ICEBlock app back in April after watching the Trump administration begin its process of immigration crackdown. He said that he feels that the deportation efforts are reminiscent of Nazi Germany. “When I saw what was happening in this country, I wanted to do something to fight back. We’re literally watching history repeat itself.”
The app works by allowing users who spot ICE officers in the area to add a pin on a map. Users can also add optional notes. For example, users can add more details, such as what the officers are wearing or what kind of car they are driving. Users within a five-mile radius of the pin will receive a push notification alerting them to the sighting.
Aaron says that he did not create the app to interfere with the agency’s operations. It’s just meant to serve as a warning. The app comes with a message saying, “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.”
Not everyone is a fan
Unsurprisingly, Aaron’s ICEBlock app isn’t popular with law enforcement personnel. During an interview on Hannity, US Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized the app and warned Aaron to “watch out.”
According to Bondi, “Our ICE agents, all of our federal agents who are working hand in hand on these task force[s] — our federal agents from the Justice Department could be injured.” She adds, “He’s giving a message to criminals where our federal officers are. And he cannot do that. And we are looking at it, we are looking at him, and he better watch out, because that’s not a protected speech. That is threatening the lives of our law enforcement officers throughout this country.”
ICEBlock is currently only available on the iPhone. It is unclear if Apple will allow the app to remain or if the Trump administration will pressure the Cupertino company to remove it.
The post App Goes Viral for Warning Immigrants About Raids—Now the Feds Are Watching appeared first on Android Headlines.
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