An app that enables users to anonymously report sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has experienced a significant spike in popularity following criticism from U.S. Attorney General Christopher Bondi.

IceBlock, which was developed by Joshua Aaron in April in response to President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, has become the third most-downloaded free app on the App Store as of Wednesday afternoon. It's also the top social networking app in the store, surpassing well-known platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

The app operates by allowing users to drop a pin on a map indicating where they've seen ICE agents, along with optional details such as the officers' attire or the type of vehicle they're driving. Other users within a five-mile radius will then receive a push notification alerting them to the sighting. The reported sightings are visible for four hours and then disappear.

Aaron, who has a background in the tech industry, told CNN that he was motivated to create the app after witnessing what he described as a repeat of history, comparing the current deportation efforts to Nazi Germany. "When I saw what was happening in this country, I wanted to do something to fight back," he said.

The app has amassed over 20,000 users, with a significant number based in Los Angeles, where large-scale deportation efforts have been met with controversy.

However, the app has faced criticism from federal officials. Bondi warned on Monday that those involved in creating and promoting apps like IceBlock could face legal consequences. "If you're involved in developing, promoting, or using apps designed to help people evade law enforcement, you will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," he said.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also criticized the app during a briefing, stating, "Surely, it sounds like this would be an incitement of further violence against our ICE officers who are just simply trying to do their jobs."

In response to the criticism, Aaron emphasized that the app is solely for information and notification purposes and is not intended to incite violence or interfere with law enforcement. "This app does not dox anybody. There are no photos or videos. This app is to inform, not obstruct," he said.

To ensure user privacy, IceBlock does not collect personal data and is only available on iOS. Aaron explained that offering the app on Android would have required collecting user data, which he wanted to avoid for the safety of the users.

Despite the controversy, the app's sudden rise in popularity highlights the growing public interest in monitoring and responding to immigration enforcement activities in the United States.