President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced in Florida Tuesday that they are exploring legal action against CNN for its reporting on ICEBlock, a mobile app that tracks Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, as well as for alleged false reporting on U.S. military operations in Iran.
Speaking from the new Alligator Alcatraz detention facility in the Everglades, Noem confirmed the administration is consulting with the Department of Justice to determine whether CNN’s coverage constitutes illegal interference with federal law enforcement.
“What they’re doing is actively encouraging people to avoid law enforcement activities,” Noem said, referring to CNN’s coverage of ICEBlock. “We’re going to actually go after them and prosecute… because what they are doing we believe is illegal.”
President Trump added that the network may also face charges related to its reporting on a U.S. military strike in Iran. “They may very well be prosecuted also for having given false reports on the attack in Iran,” Trump said, claiming CNN misrepresented the success of the strike. “Our people have to be celebrated, not come home and say, ‘What do you mean we didn’t hit the target?’”
CNN previously interviewed ICEBlock creator Joshua Aaron, who defended the app as a notification tool and denied any intent to interfere with law enforcement. Aaron compared ICE operations to actions taken in Nazi Germany, claiming the app was created to “fight back.” He insisted the tool is for “information and notification purposes only” and not for inciting violence.
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons condemned CNN’s coverage as “reckless and irresponsible,” accusing the network of enabling criminal aliens to evade capture and endangering ICE agents. “Advertising an app that basically paints a target on federal law enforcement officers’ backs is sickening,” he said. Lyons cited a 500% increase in assaults against ICE agents and suggested CNN’s report could worsen threats.
The controversy has intensified calls among conservative leaders for media accountability, particularly when national security and law enforcement are concerned. The administration is working with former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi on possible prosecutions.
