The House Committee on Homeland Security has asked Google and Apple to provide details on the steps they are taking to remove mobile applications that allow users to track federal immigration officers.
In letters sent on Friday, 5 December 2025, committee leaders specifically cited ICEBlock, an app previously used to monitor U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Lawmakers said such apps, hosted on app stores, risk “jeopardizing the safety of DHS personnel” and requested a briefing by 12 December.
The committee urged Google and Apple to ensure these tools cannot be used to target officers or obstruct lawful immigration enforcement. While noting that free speech is protected under U.S. law, lawmakers emphasised that it does not extend to advocacy that incites imminent lawless action, citing a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Google and Apple did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. However, both companies have previously acted: in October 2025, Apple removed ICEBlock and similar tracking apps from its App Store, citing violations of its policies against content that could harm individuals or groups. Google said ICEBlock was never available on its Play Store but had removed other similar apps for policy violations.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the apps “put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs.” The apps had reportedly amassed more than one million users before removal.
