Advocates Seek to Stop Trump Admin From Censoring ICE Reporting Tools

Free speech group files injunction to prevent government from coercing tech companies to remove apps and social media groups that enable reporting on ICE activity.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A free speech advocacy group has filed a request for an injunction with a federal court, seeking to prohibit the Trump administration from continuing to pressure Apple and Meta Platforms to remove an app and Facebook group that enabled people to share information about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. The group argues the First Amendment protects the rights to observe, record, and disseminate information about law enforcement, even if it may be embarrassing to authorities.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the government's desire to control the narrative around its enforcement actions and the public's right to freely share information about those actions. It raises questions about the limits of government power to censor speech by pressuring private tech platforms.

The details

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Illinois resident Kassandra Rosado, who created the Facebook group 'ICE Sightings -- Chicagoland', and the Kreisau Group, which created the Eyes Up app. Both tools enabled users to share information about ICE operations, but were taken down in October 2026 after administration officials publicly criticized ICE reporting tools. The plaintiffs argue that officials like Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem violated the First Amendment by allegedly coercing Apple and Facebook to remove the app and Facebook group.

  • The Facebook group 'ICE Sightings -- Chicagoland' had been active for more than 8 months before being removed in October 2026.
  • The Eyes Up app was approved by Apple 5 weeks before being removed in October 2026.

The players

Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression

A free speech advocacy group that filed the request for an injunction against the Trump administration.

Kassandra Rosado

An Illinois resident who created the Facebook group 'ICE Sightings -- Chicagoland'.

Kreisau Group

The organization that created the Eyes Up app to enable people to post videos about ICE activity.

Pamela Bondi

The Attorney General who allegedly made coercive statements about ICE reporting apps.

Kristi Noem

The Homeland Security Secretary who allegedly made coercive statements about ICE reporting apps.

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What’s next

The plaintiffs are seeking an injunction that would prevent government officials from coercing Apple and Facebook to censor the app and Facebook group. A hearing on the request for an injunction is scheduled for March 26.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battle between the government's desire to control information about its enforcement actions and the public's First Amendment right to freely share that information. It underscores the power the government can wield over private tech platforms to censor speech, even when that speech is about matters of public interest.