In this photo illustration, the ICEBlock app is displayed on an Apple iPhone on October 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
The developer of ICEBlock, an app used to track local sightings of ICE agents and other law enforcement authorities, sued the U.S. government on Monday for allegedly infringing his free speech rights.
After Apple removed the app from its store in October, creator Joshua Aaron criticized the Trump administration for pressuring the iPhone maker to ban ICEBlock over fears it could be used to harm U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
Attorneys for Aaron wrote in the complaint that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi made clear that the government "used its regulatory power to coerce a private platform to suppress First Amendment-protected expression," when she said the Department of Justice demanded that Apple remove the app, which was only available on iOS.
The suit claimed Apple cited one of its review guidelines that says apps can't allow objectionable content that can be used to harm a targeted group. Apple said ICEBlock targets law enforcement officers, according to the suit.
Aaron told CNBC on Monday that his complaint was inspired by the U.S. founding fathers, who held the view that, "The survival of our democratic republic isn't guaranteed."
"It requires constant vigilance, active and informed participation of its citizens," Aaron said. "When we see or think our government is doing something wrong, it's our duty to hold them accountable. And that is the heart of this lawsuit."
Aaron said attorneys with law firm Sher Tremonte in New York are representing him on a pro bono basis.
It's not the first time Apple has made such a move.
In 2019, the company removed an app that Hong Kong protesters used to track police movements during a public dispute over the city's relationship with China. Apple said at the time that the app was removed because criminals used it to target and ambush police.
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