Joshua Aaron has worked in and around the tech industry for around two decades. He built his first app — a blackjack game — at computer camp when he was 13.
His newest app is designed for a very different purpose: to let users alert people nearby to sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in their area.
Aaron launched the platform, called ICEBlock, in early April after watching President Donald Trump’s administration begin its immigration crackdown. The White House’s immigration policies have sparked mass protests across the United States; a CNN poll in April showed 52% of Americans polled said Trump has gone too far in deporting undocumented immigrants.
ICEBlock currently has more than 20,000 users, many of whom are in Los Angeles, where controversial, large-scale deportation efforts have taken place.
CNN also did a segment promoting the app.
WATCH:
Disgusting
🚨CNN promotes new APP to track ICE and warn illegal aliens before they are detained and deported.
The app is completely free and anonymous to use. pic.twitter.com/WZmbWW9xka
— Joe Dan Gorman (@JoeDanMedia) June 30, 2025
Reporter Benny Johnson asked Noem and Trump about CNN’s coverage of the app that tracks ICE agents location.
Noem said CNN may be prosecuted.
“We’re working with the Department of Justice to see if we can prosecute them for that. What they’re doing is actively encouraging people to avoid law enforcement…and operations,” Noem said.
“What they’re doing, we believe, is illegal,” Noem said.
WATCH:
🚨 BREAKING: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says they’re working with the DOJ to potentially PROSECUTE CNN for promoting an ICE tracking app
Trump says he also wants accountability for CNN over their false reports on Iran.
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 1, 2025