White House Press Secretary Condemns CNN for Reporting on ICEBlock App

On Monday, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, expressed her disapproval of CNN's reporting on ICEBlock, a new application designed to track the locations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. During a conversation with Daily Wire journalist Mary Margaret Olohan, Leavitt highlighted the alarming statistic that assaults on ICE agents have surged by 500%, as noted in recent reports from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Although she mentioned needing to review the CNN segment herself, she strongly condemned the network for broadcasting the report, implying that it encouraged violence against ICE officers.

Leavitt pointed out that given the significant increase in violence faced by these law enforcement officials, it was concerning that CNN would promote an app such as ICEBlock. She stated, "It's unacceptable that a major network would support an application that appears to fuel violence against law enforcement officers who work diligently to ensure public safety." Furthermore, she reminded that both journalists and the community should appreciate the efforts of law enforcement, which include protecting neighborhoods from public safety threats.

In response to the CNN report, a spokesperson for ICE indicated that the agency had reached out to CNN before the article's publication and responded afterward to express concerns. ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons criticized the app, stating that it effectively places targets on the backs of federal law enforcement officials, who are already dealing with an unprecedented rise in assaults. CNN's segments also featured an interview with the app's creator, Joshua Aaron, who defended ICEBlock as a way to push back against deportations he likened to oppressive actions of Nazi Germany.

While Aaron acknowledged the challenges in verifying reports made through the app, he mentioned implementing measures to minimize misuse, such as time restrictions on sightings. He also reiterated that the app is intended solely for informational purposes and includes a warning against interactions with law enforcement, emphasizing that it should not incite violence.