The fight between the mainstream media and the Trump administration is heating up. And it’s set to be a doozy.
Because Press Secretary Leavitt accused CNN of committing this violent crime.
Press Secretary Slams CNN for Promoting ICEBlock App
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sharply criticized CNN on Monday for its coverage of ICEBlock, a controversial app that tracks and alerts users to the locations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
Leavitt argued that such reporting could fuel hostility toward law enforcement, pointing to a reported 500% surge in assaults against ICE agents, as noted in recent Department of Homeland Security data. While acknowledging she hadn’t seen the specific CNN segment, Leavitt condemned the network’s decision to highlight the app, emphasizing the need to support officers working to ensure public safety.
“Surely, it sounds like this would be an incitement of further violence against our ICE officers,” Leavitt stated, pointing to the challenges faced by law enforcement in communities grappling with the consequences of lax border policies from prior administrations.
She added, “We’ll take a look at it, but certainly it’s unacceptable that a major network would promote such an app that is encouraging violence against law enforcement officers who are trying to keep our country safe.”
CNN Defends Reporting as App Creator Faces Scrutiny
CNN stood by its coverage, with a spokesperson clarifying that the network was merely reporting on a publicly available app that has sparked widespread discussion.
The spokesperson noted that CNN sought comment from ICE before publishing and updated its story with a response from ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, who warned that ICEBlock “basically paints a target on federal law enforcement officers’ backs,” especially amid the sharp rise in attacks on agents.
The network also aired an interview with ICEBlock’s creator, Joshua Aaron, who claimed his app was a response to deportation efforts he likened to “history repeating itself.”
Aaron defended the app’s purpose, insisting it was designed to inform, not incite.
He highlighted features like deleting sightings every four hours, limiting reports to a five-mile radius, and capping submissions to one every five minutes to curb misuse, though he admitted the app’s anonymous user base makes verification difficult.
App’s Warning and Public Safety Concerns
Aaron emphasized that ICEBlock includes a disclaimer to deter violence:
“Please note that the use of this app is for information and notification purposes only. It is not to be used for the purposes of inciting violence or interfering with law enforcement.”
Despite this, critics, including Leavitt and Lyons, argue the app’s very existence risks escalating tensions against ICE officers, who face growing threats while addressing public safety challenges.
Leavitt stressed the importance of appreciating law enforcement’s efforts to protect communities, particularly in areas affected by illegal immigration, and urged responsible journalism to avoid inflaming an already volatile situation.
