A crowdsourced iPhone application called ICEBlock, launched in April, allows users to post and receive real-time alerts when they spot U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity within a five-mile radius. The free, anonymised service had roughly 95,000 users by 1 July and climbed to the top of Apple’s U.S. App Store after media coverage this week. The app has drawn sharp criticism from the Trump administration. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the platform 'encourages violence' against federal officers, and Border Czar Tom Homan asked the Justice Department to investigate whether it impedes law-enforcement operations. On 1 July, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told reporters she is working with the Justice Department to determine whether CNN could be prosecuted for reporting on the app, asserting that the network 'actively encouraged people to avoid law enforcement.' Reuters, Politico and other outlets confirmed the administration is examining possible charges. The administration’s push coincides with a steep rise in attacks on immigration-enforcement personnel. According to Department of Homeland Security figures released to Fox News, assaults on ICE and other federal agents jumped to 79 between 21 January 2024 and 30 June 2025 from 10 in the comparable period a year earlier, a 690 percent increase. Homan argues apps that publicise agent locations add to the danger. Two separate incidents underscored safety concerns. On the night of 4 July, a police officer was shot in the neck outside the Prairieland ICE detention centre in Alvarado, Texas; the officer was treated and released, and several armed suspects were arrested. Three days later, a gunman wearing tactical gear ambushed Border Patrol agents at an annex facility in McAllen, Texas; agents and local police killed the attacker, and an investigating officer was reportedly wounded. The FBI is leading both investigations. ICEBlock’s Texas-based developer, Joshua Aaron, rejects allegations that the app facilitates violence or obstructs federal operations, calling it 'protected speech under the First Amendment.' He says the software stores no personal data, automatically expires reports after four hours and is intended solely to help users 'stay safe.'