Critics accuse Apple of bowing to Trump after ICE-tracking app takedown

Apple announced on Thursday that it had removed ICEBlock, the most widely used app for tracking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, along with other similar apps, from its App Store following contact from the Trump administration.

ICEBlock alerts users when ICE agents are in their area, a feature that has raised concerns among federal authorities. The Justice Department argued that the app could increase the risk of assault against US agents.

In a statement to reporters, Apple said, "Based on information we've received from law enforcement about the safety risks associated with ICEBlock, we have removed it and similar apps from the App Store."

Since taking office, the Trump administration has relied heavily on ICE to carry out raids on undocumented immigrants, as well as visa holders and permanent US residents, some targeted over pro-Palestinian advocacy. Rights advocates have criticized these actions as infringing on free speech and due process.

Fox Business reported the removal on Thursday, citing US Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi stated, "ICEBlock is designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs, and violence against law enforcement is an intolerable red line that cannot be crossed."

Bondi, along with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, has previously warned ICEBlock creator Joshua Aaron, based in Texas, that he is "not protected" under the Constitution and faces potential prosecution.

Apple’s decision is expected to draw renewed attention to the relationships between major tech firms and the Trump administration, particularly as companies seek to maintain favorable ties during the president’s second term.

Here are some online reactions:

Fascism is Capitalism and State Authoritarianism in lock step working together to oppress the people. https://t.co/R0OM3glBJL

— Luke Skyyvodka (@_DarthGayder_) October 4, 2025

Smfh, @Apple soft af for this. Enabling authoritarianism and excusing their actions. https://t.co/Vinee9kCHM pic.twitter.com/Sf7bgLZDh5

— Costas Themistocleous (@MyNamesCostas) October 3, 2025

Capitalist elites working to preserve other capitalist elites https://t.co/sZMtSdAmiA

— Jack  (@jackitalia78) October 4, 2025

boycott Apple https://t.co/lByA9NTKrP

— ヴィシ (@YOVlSH) October 3, 2025

It wasn’t a takedown.
It was a handshake.
ICEBlock didn’t vanish — it was erased by request.

— Artista del Desdén (@PoetaSarcasmo) October 3, 2025

Is there a moral company left in America? One willing to do the right thing and stand up to a man who's trying to turn us into a fascist nation? Is making money their only concern? Do they realize what little power they'll have to run their own companies if Trump gets his way?

— JOHN VALENTINE (@SageAmenti) October 3, 2025