In today’s episode of “When Apps Go Rogue,” we dive into the curious case of the CBP One app. Originally launched by the Trump administration in October 2020, this app has had a makeover worthy of a reality TV show. Initially expanded by the Biden administration for scheduling asylum appointments, it was later repurposed by the Trump administration as the CBP Home app for self-deportation. With a click, those who sneaked through with it may find themselves encouraged to self-deport. However, there is no policy mentioned about being banned from returning forever. The app has become an unexpected tool in immigration enforcement.
Speaking of going home, the government-issued phones where the app resides are said to facilitate identity verification, including the use of photos and biographic data. Some might call it a clever use of technology for verification purposes, while others could see it as an invasive measure, although it’s not confirmed as a tracking device per se.
Amid this technological tango, there’s more on the news ticker—protests and plazas! BLM Plaza in Washington, DC, has been deconstructed. Yes, folks, the Republicans fired a proverbial shot across the bow, and the mayor saw the writing on the wall, stepping ahead of legislation that would have renamed it Liberty Plaza. Turns out, having a monument to what some call a controversial movement wasn’t sitting well, especially after events tied to chaos and trepidation. It’s a reminder that in politics, the names we choose for places carry more weight than we’d like to admit.
The Plaza’s tale speaks to a broader issue, as questions abound about how funds donated to Black Lives Matter were spent. There’s talk of lavish spending and questionable allocations. Some folks are wondering why an investigation hasn’t started yesterday. It’s a circus without a ringmaster, and transparency seems as elusive as ever. For many, finding out where those donor dollars went is as tantalizing as discovering what’s in Area 51.
And in the grand finale of today’s political whirlwind, there’s talk of big bills in Congress. Should we continue spending, or is it time to check the brakes? That age-old tale of striking when the iron is hot comes up, especially when the current administration isn’t wasting any time with its agenda. Politics ceases to be about compromise when speed is the name of the game. But fear not, dear readers, because somewhere in the halls of power, they’re cooking up a “big beautiful bill” to address it all—eventually. Until then, it seems everyone will just have to stay tuned for the next episode of democracy in action!
