White House Border Czar Tom Homan on Monday strongly condemned CNN for promoting an app called ICEBlock, which allows users to track and report the locations of ICE agents in real time. Homan urged the Department of Justice to investigate the app, calling it a threat to officer safety and national security.
The controversy began after CNN aired a segment featuring ICEBlock, developed to help users avoid contact with immigration enforcement. The app sends push alerts to users within a five-mile radius of a reported ICE sighting. CNN correspondent Clare Duffy noted the app’s developer claims it is not intended to interfere with ICE operations but simply to allow individuals to steer clear of agents.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called CNN’s coverage “an incitement of further violence against our ICE officers,” adding, “It’s unacceptable that a major network would promote such an app encouraging violence against law enforcement.”
Homan called the app “simply disgusting,” warning it could lead to ambushes and assaults. “It’s only a matter of time before ICE officers are ambushed by someone throwing a Molotov cocktail or bricks,” he said. Homan cited a 500% increase in assaults against ICE agents and warned the app adds unnecessary danger to an already risky job.
“This shouldn’t be a partisan issue,” Homan stressed. “These officers are going after violent criminals and national security threats. It’s incredible that those enforcing the law are portrayed as villains, while lawbreakers are treated as victims. It’s disgusting.”
