President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan is demanding a DOJ investigation into CNN for promoting an app that tracks ICE officers, potentially setting them up for dangerous confrontations and ambushes.
Key Takeaways
- Tom Homan has called for a Justice Department investigation into CNN for promoting ICEBlock, an app that tracks ICE operations in real-time
- The controversial app allows users to anonymously report ICE sightings, sending alerts to users within a five-mile radius
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned CNN, stating the promotion encourages violence against federal officers
- Homan cited a 500% increase in assaults against ICE officers, raising serious concerns about their safety
- The app’s developer, Joshua Aaron, claims it serves as an “early warning system” for people to avoid ICE agents
Border Czar Demands Justice Department Investigation
Tom Homan, President Trump’s border security chief, has publicly condemned CNN for promoting an application that enables users to track Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in real-time. Homan is calling for a Justice Department investigation into the news network’s segment about the ICEBlock app, which he believes poses a significant threat to the safety of federal law enforcement officers. The tracking tool allows users to anonymously report ICE sightings and sends immediate alerts to others within a five-mile radius, creating a network of surveillance against federal immigration authorities.
“This is horrendous that a national media outlet would be out there trying to forecast law enforcement operations throughout the country. It’s incredible where we’re at as a country and I think DOJ needs to look at this and see if they crossed that line,” said Tom Homan, Former Acting ICE Director.
The controversy intensified when CNN anchor John Berman introduced the app as “controversial, to say the least” during a segment where reporter Clare Duffy interviewed the app’s creator, Joshua Aaron. During the interview, Aaron claimed he developed the platform to serve as an “early warning system” for people to avoid ICE officers. While the app includes a disclaimer stating it is for information purposes only and not for inciting violence or interfering with law enforcement, many officials view this as insufficient protection against potential misuse.
White House Condemns Potential Danger to Federal Officers
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt joined the criticism, expressing serious concerns about CNN’s promotion of the controversial app. The administration views the network’s coverage as potentially encouraging violence against federal officers who are simply carrying out their duties to enforce immigration laws and protect national security. Leavitt emphasized that encouraging any form of aggression or obstruction against law enforcement personnel is completely unacceptable and undermines the rule of law.
“It’s unacceptable that a major network would promote such an app that is encouraging violence against officers who are trying to keep our country safe,” said Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary.
The administration’s concern is not without merit. Homan has highlighted a disturbing 500% increase in assaults against ICE officers, underscoring the already dangerous environment in which these federal agents operate. The ICEBlock app, by enabling real-time tracking of officer locations, could potentially facilitate targeted attacks or ambushes against them. This reality has prompted calls for immediate action to address what many see as a direct threat to law enforcement safety.
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— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) June 30, 2025
Growing Tensions Over Immigration Enforcement
The controversy over the ICEBlock app reflects the broader tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in America. Pro-Trump commentator Benny Johnson asserted that “CNN is pushing an app to track ICE agents to help criminal aliens evade being detained,” highlighting the political divide on immigration issues. Meanwhile, Joshua Aaron, the app’s developer, framed his creation as a response to what he perceives as problematic “current events in the country,” drawing controversial comparisons to historical events.
“I talked with Joshua Aaron, who is the longtime tech worker who developed this platform, and he said he really wants it to be an early warning system for people about the location of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers,” said Clare Duffy, CNN Reporter.
Homan has emphasized that ICE officers primarily focus on public safety and national security threats, with their work being essential to protecting American communities. By potentially interfering with these operations, the ICEBlock app not only endangers officers but could also impede legitimate law enforcement efforts to remove dangerous criminals from communities. This aspect of the controversy highlights the real-world consequences that could result from obstructing immigration enforcement operations, beyond the immediate safety concerns for federal agents.
