With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
New ICE app tracks sexual predators and alerts public
ICE's new smartphone app tracks sexual predators and sends out public alerts in urgent situations. It's free and downloadable from Apple's app store.
(
Courtesy ICE
)
The alert section lists people who are wanted for child exploitation crimes.
(
Courtesy ICE
)
The app's news section lets you view updates on criminal cases the agency is following.
(
Courtesy ICE
)
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has launched a smartphone app to track sexual predators.
The app is part of a federal effort called "Operation Predator." It aims to protect children from sexual predators, including child traffickers and those who travel overseas for sex with minors.
The app has three main features:
- A tip section where you can report suspected sexual predators anonymously through the app, by phone or online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- A news section where you can check out other criminal cases the agency has worked on.
- An alert section that lists people who are wanted for child exploitation crimes, which includes photos.
"And what's good about that alert section is that every time a new person is wanted, it's going to go on there and is going to remain there until the person is caught," explained Claude Arnold, Special Agent in charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles.
Support for LAist comes from
The alert section already includes information about a "John Doe" case in Los Angeles.
"His images were discovered during the execution of a search warrant here in the Los Angeles area, but we don’t know where he resides. So we’re looking for any information on that guy," said Arnold.
In the photo, both the man and the child are seen in a room with wood paneled walls with framed photos, a black computer, a desk with a sewing machine, and brown patterned curtains.
The new app is not connected to the Megan’s Law sex offender online data base, which allows you to see if a registered sex offender lives in your neighborhood. But Arnold said the agency will take a look into that.
The app is free, but is only available for iPhones. ICE is working on making versions for other smartphones.
View the current Los Angeles abuse case below:
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist