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The company has pulled apps that enabled users to report encounters of agents from ICE.

The technology giant announced it had eliminated ICEBlock from its App Store after law enforcement informed them about concerning "security concerns" associated with this app and "similar apps".

Per a declaration sent to press agencies, the Attorney General the Attorney General had "insisted on" the app's removal saying it was "developed to put ICE officers at harm".

Its developer countered that such allegations were "demonstrably incorrect" and accused Apple of "giving in to an oppressive government".

History of the Controversial Software

ICEBlock is among multiple apps launched recently in response to increased immigration enforcement activities across the US.

Critics - including the creator of ICEBlock - charge the authorities of abusing its influence and "creating anxiety" to US streets.

The free app operates by showing the whereabouts of enforcement agents. It has been installed more than a one million times in the US.

Risk Factors

Nevertheless, officials contended it was being employed to focus on enforcement personnel, with the FBI indicating that the person who assaulted an enforcement office in Dallas in recently - killing two detainees - had employed similar apps to monitor the locations of personnel and their vehicles.

According to their announcement, Apple commented: "We created the App Store to be a safe and trusted platform to find software.

"According to data we've received from law enforcement about the security concerns linked to the software, we have removed it and similar apps from the application marketplace."

Developer's Response

Nevertheless its maker, the programmer, refuted it created a risk.

"This application is comparable with public reporting speed traps, which every notable mapping application, including their internal Maps app," he stated.

"This is constitutionally protected expression under the first amendment of the American Constitution."

The developer - who has had experience in the tech industry for years - previously explained he developed the application out of concern over a surge in immigration raids.

"I definitely observed intently during the prior leadership and then I paid attention to the language during the political contest for the present," he stated.

"My brain started thinking about what was likely to occur and what I could do to protect individuals."

Official Response

The White House and FBI had criticized the application after it debuted in April and installations rose.