CNN faces intense backlash from Trump’s border czar Tom Homan for promoting an app that tracks ICE agents, potentially placing law enforcement officers in harm’s way during deportation operations.
Key Takeaways
- Tom Homan has called for a Justice Department investigation into CNN for showcasing the controversial ICEBlock app that tracks ICE operations in real-time
- The app allows users to anonymously report ICE sightings, sending alerts to others within a five-mile radius
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned CNN’s promotion of the app as “unacceptable” and encouraging violence against federal officers
- Homan cited a 500% increase in assaults against ICE officers, expressing concern the app could facilitate ambushes
- The app’s developer claims it serves as an “early warning system” with disclaimers against inciting violence or interfering with law enforcement
Border Security Expert Condemns CNN’s Coverage
Tom Homan, President Trump’s border czar and former ICE Director, has launched a scathing critique of CNN for promoting an application designed to track Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations across the country. The app, called ICEBlock, allows users to anonymously report ICE agent sightings, sending immediate alerts to other users within a five-mile radius. Homan expressed outrage over what he views as a national media outlet enabling the disruption of crucial law enforcement activities that protect American communities from criminal illegal aliens.|
“It’s disgusting,” said Tom Homan. “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 the DOJ needs to look at this and see if they crossed that line.”
ICEBlock App: Safety Concern or Political Tool?
CNN anchor John Berman introduced the app during a recent segment, describing it as “controversial, to say the least.” Reporter Clare Duffy interviewed the app’s creator, Joshua Aaron, who claimed he developed the platform as a response to what he perceives as troubling current events in America. Each sighting reported on the app includes a disclaimer stating it is for information purposes only and not intended to incite violence or interfere with law enforcement activities. Critics, however, see the platform as deliberately undermining ICE’s lawful enforcement actions.
“As the Trump administration steps up ICE raids and mass deportations, one tech developer is pushing back with an app designed to track ICE activity in real time. It’s called ICEBlock and it’s controversial, to say the least,” said John Berman, during the CNN segment. Source
Conservative commentator Benny Johnson was quick to criticize the network, stating, “CNN is pushing an app to track ICE agents to help criminal aliens evade being detained.” This characterization has resonated with many Americans who support stronger immigration enforcement and see the app as deliberately obstructing legitimate law enforcement activities rather than protecting civil liberties.
White House and Law Enforcement Respond
The controversy has drawn a swift response from the White House, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issuing a strong statement condemning CNN’s coverage of the app. “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 Leavitt. The administration’s reaction underscores the seriousness with which it views potential threats to law enforcement personnel carrying out their duties to protect American citizens.
Homan highlighted the already dangerous environment ICE officers face, noting a disturbing 500% increase in assaults against these federal agents. He expressed legitimate concern that the app could facilitate coordinated attacks or ambushes against officers simply doing their jobs. The former ICE director emphasized that these law enforcement professionals focus primarily on public safety and national security threats, and that undermining their work puts all Americans at risk, not just the officers themselves.
Calls for Investigation
Homan has formally called for the Department of Justice to investigate whether CNN’s promotion of the ICEBlock app constitutes illegal interference with federal law enforcement operations. This request reflects growing concerns among law enforcement officials about the increasingly hostile environment they face while attempting to enforce immigration laws. Critics of the app suggest it discriminates specifically against ICE officers while no similar tracking tools exist for other federal law enforcement agencies.
The controversy highlights the intensifying debate over immigration enforcement under President Trump’s administration. While supporters of stronger border security view ICE operations as essential for maintaining national sovereignty and public safety, opponents have increasingly sought to impede these efforts through various means, including technological solutions like the ICEBlock app. The outcome of any potential DOJ investigation could set important precedents for the boundaries between journalism, activism, and potential obstruction of law enforcement.
