A new iPhone app that lets users report sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers is drawing sharp criticism from federal officials.
The app, called ICEBlock, was launched in early April by musician and developer Joshua Aaron, who told CNN he wanted to “fight back” against ICE raids, likening the deportation efforts to “Nazi Germany.”
“We’re literally watching history repeat itself,” Aaron said.
ICE acting Director Todd Lyons condemned both the app and CNN’s coverage, calling it “reckless and irresponsible.”
“Advertising an app that basically paints a target on federal law enforcement officers’ backs is sickening,” Lyons said in a statement. He noted a 500% rise in assaults on ICE personnel and accused CNN of “willfully endangering” lives and “enabling dangerous criminal aliens to evade U.S. law.”
ICEBlock currently has over 20,000 users, according to its developers.
