President Donald Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have indicated that the administration is examining potential legal action against CNN following its recent report on an iPhone app that notifies users of nearby Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
During a visit to the newly established detention facility in the Florida Everglades — dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” — Noem told reporters that the Department of Justice is involved in discussions about whether CNN’s coverage could be grounds for prosecution.
“We’re working with the Department of Justice to see if we can prosecute them for that, because what they’re doing is actively encouraging people to avoid law enforcement operations,” Noem said, standing beside Trump.
The controversy stems from CNN’s reporting on ICEBlock, a mobile application designed to function as an “early warning system” for users who wish to avoid areas with active ICE presence. According to its creator, Joshua Aaron, the app has gained popularity particularly in Los Angeles — a city heavily affected by the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies — and has amassed around 20,000 users.
The White House accused CNN of promoting an app that “encourages violence against law enforcement,” a claim strongly rejected by the network. “There is nothing illegal about reporting the existence of this or any other app,” CNN said in a statement. “Nor does any reporting constitute promotion or endorsement of the app by CNN.”
Trump echoed Noem’s comments and reiterated his previous threats to sue media outlets over what he views as hostile and misleading coverage. He referred to the app coverage while also criticizing CNN and The New York Times for their reporting on a preliminary intelligence assessment suggesting recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were less effective than publicly claimed.
“They may very well be prosecuted for that,” Trump said, again referencing the CNN app report. “What they did there, we think, is totally illegal.”
Despite the administration’s threats, legal experts say that any effort to pursue criminal charges against CNN for reporting on a publicly available app would face significant First Amendment challenges. The freedom of the press, protected under the U.S. Constitution, generally shields media organizations from prosecution for reporting factual information — particularly about legal technologies or public safety tools.
As of now, the Department of Justice has not formally announced any charges or legal action, and the situation remains under review.
Related:
- Trump orders expanded ICE deportations targeting Democrat-led cities
- CNN’s full statement on the administration’s legal threats
- Background: What is the ICEBlock app and how does it work?
