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Apple has pulled applications that permitted users to identify sightings of agents from ICE.

The company declared it had eliminated the tracking application from its App Store after law enforcement notified them about possible "dangerous implications" linked to this software and "similar apps".

Per a statement provided to media organizations, the Attorney General the Attorney General had "requested" the app's removal claiming it was "developed to place immigration agents at risk".

The app's creator responded that such claims were "demonstrably incorrect" and accused the tech firm of "giving in to an oppressive government".

History of the Disputed App

This software is among several apps released recently in response to increased border control raids across the US.

Detractors - like the developer of this application - accuse the government of abusing its authority and "bringing fear" to US streets.

The no-cost app operates by revealing the locations of enforcement agents. It has been installed more than a one million occasions in the United States.

Risk Factors

Nevertheless, officials maintained it was being utilized to single out ICE officers, with the federal investigators indicating that the suspect who targeted an immigration center in Dallas in September - murdering two detainees - had employed similar apps to track the movements of personnel and their transportation.

According to their announcement, the company commented: "We created the App Store to be a safe and trusted platform to discover apps.

"Following data we've received from authorities about the safety risks linked to this application, we have withdrawn it and similar apps from the digital platform."

Creator's Reaction

But its maker, the programmer, denied it created a threat.

"ICEBlock is comparable with crowdsourcing traffic enforcement, which every notable navigation app, including their internal Maps app," he stated.

"This is protected speech under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution."

The developer - who has been employed in the tech industry for many years - before explained he created the application out of anxiety over a surge in immigration raids.

"I certainly observed intently during the former government and then I listened to the rhetoric during the election race for the second," he said.

"I started firing on what was about to transpire and what I could do to protect individuals."

Government Reaction

The executive branch and FBI had criticized the application after it was released in recent months and downloads rose.