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Apple has removed applications that allowed users to identify sightings of personnel from ICE.

The technology giant stated it had removed ICEBlock from its App Store after law enforcement notified them about concerning "safety risks" linked to this app and "related programs".

Per a declaration provided to press agencies, the Attorney General the official had "insisted on" the app's removal claiming it was "created to put enforcement personnel at harm".

The app's creator responded that such assertions were "completely untrue" and alleged Apple of "giving in to an oppressive government".

Context of the Disputed Software

This software is one of numerous programs released in recent months in answer to increased border control operations across the America.

Detractors - including the creator of this application - accuse the administration of abusing its influence and "bringing fear" to local neighborhoods.

The complimentary application operates by showing the movements of ICE personnel. It has been installed more than a 1 million instances in the America.

Safety Concerns

However, law enforcement argued it was being employed to focus on ICE officers, with the federal investigators saying that the suspect who attacked an enforcement office in the city in last month - fatally shooting two individuals - had used comparable applications to monitor the locations of agents and their vehicles.

Through an official declaration, Apple commented: "We developed the digital storefront to be a safe and trusted environment to find software.

"Based on data we've gathered from police about the potential dangers linked to ICEBlock, we have eliminated it and related programs from the App Store."

Developer's Response

Nevertheless its developer, the programmer, disputed it presented a risk.

"This application is similar to crowdsourcing speed traps, which all major location software, such as the company's proprietary navigation software," he stated.

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

The developer - who has been employed in the tech industry for many years - earlier stated he developed the application out of concern over a spike in ICE activities.

"I definitely observed intently during the prior leadership and then I heard the rhetoric during the political contest for the current," he explained.

"My mind started firing on what was going to happen and what I could achieve to ensure public safety."

Administration Position

The White House and FBI had criticized the software after it debuted in April and installations increased.