ICE Cube

profile
reports list
compass
dashboard
settings

Inspiration

ICE Cube was inspired by recent events and growing concerns within our communities. With the increasing presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and the fear created by certain encounters, we felt it was important for people to stay informed. Knowing where officers are reportedly operating can help surrounding communities remain aware, prepared, and safe.

What it does

ICE Cube is a live, community-driven reporting app. Users can document and share sightings of ICE officers, which then notify other users in real time. This allows people to take precautions before leaving their homes or workplaces once a sighting has been reported nearby.

How we built it

We began by brainstorming several app ideas, including a bathroom finder, but ultimately decided on a user-reporting app. We then debated whether the project should be web-based or mobile-based and concluded that a mobile app made the most sense. Since iPhones are widely used, we focused on iOS development using Swift and Apple’s APIs for maps and location services.

Our initial backend used ASP.NET with SQL Server, but after running into repeated integration and compatibility issues, we pivoted to Flask with SQLite. After several iterations, and with help from AI tools, we successfully built a functioning mobile app that runs smoothly on iOS.

Challenges we ran into

One of our biggest challenges was setting up the backend API. We initially chose ASP.NET because of prior experience, but connecting it to Swift proved difficult. Even attempts to run the API through Docker on macOS introduced more problems. This led us to restart the backend using Flask and SQLite.

This experience reinforced the importance of “using the right tool for the job.” Switching to a simpler backend significantly improved our efficiency and productivity. It was also our first time using Flask, so learning a new framework during a hackathon was challenging, but AI tools helped speed up the learning process.

Additional challenges included solving smaller technical issues such as compass functionality, database resets during testing, and implementing live distance updates.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We’re proud that all of us were able to build an iOS app for the first time and get it running successfully on a real device

What we learned

Throughout this project, we learned how to use Xcode, work effectively as a team, develop in Swift, build a backend with Flask, and design and deploy an iOS application on personal iPhone.