Joshua Aaron, the developer behind the controversial ICEBlock app, has drawn sharp criticism after comparing the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the early days of Hitler’s regime in Nazi Germany. The remarks come as the app—which tracks ICE activity in real time—surged to the top of Apple’s App Store in the social networking category.
Aaron told Newsweek that his decision to create ICEBlock was driven by what he described as growing government overreach under Project 2025 and increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement.
“When I read Project 2025, listened to Trump on the campaign trail, and then saw his administration putting policies into place, I knew something had to be done to help the people,” Aaron said.
What the App Does
ICEBlock allows users to anonymously view and report real-time ICE activity across the country. According to Aaron, the app was built to serve as a warning system—not to interfere with law enforcement.
“This is not about obstruction,” Aaron told Newsweek. “We make it very clear in the app and in our public statements that ICEBlock is only for information and alerting purposes. We don’t encourage interference with officers.”
Still, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE officials are calling it dangerous. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on social media:
“This sure looks like obstruction of justice… If you obstruct or assault our law enforcement, we will hunt you down and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”
Why It Matters
Critics argue that ICEBlock endangers officers by allowing the public to pinpoint their locations. ICE’s acting director Todd M. Lyons said:
“This app is putting a target on federal law enforcement. Assaults on our officers are up 500%. Going on TV to promote this kind of tool is reckless and irresponsible.”
Aaron, however, says the app deliberately avoids collecting user data to ensure privacy and protect those using it.
“We don’t log or store any user information—no names, no locations, no analytics,” Aaron said. “As of June 29, we had over 31,000 users. Given the attention, that number has likely grown.”
Comparing ICE to Hitler’s Rise
Aaron’s most controversial comments came when he likened ICE’s current tactics to the early days of Nazi Germany:
“If you’ve ever wondered what you would have done in Germany during Hitler’s rise, wonder no more—you’re doing it now. Building ICEBlock was my way of fighting back and giving communities a way to protect themselves.”
He cited images of ICE officers outside schools and stories of family separations as motivation for launching the app.
Ongoing Backlash
The backlash hasn’t stopped the app’s growth. ICEBlock is currently the most downloaded social networking app, despite growing pressure from federal officials. ICE and DHS have not confirmed whether they are investigating the app or Aaron.
The app contains a clear disclaimer:
“ICEBlock is for notification and informational use only. Do not use this app to incite violence or interfere with law enforcement.”
Still, tensions between civil liberties advocates and law enforcement continue to escalate, as ICE intensifies efforts under the Trump administration’s latest immigration directives.
The Department of Homeland Security has yet to issue an official statement about potential legal action against Aaron or the app.
