WASHINGTON >> Apple said on Thursday that it had removed ICEBlock and other similar ICE-tracking apps from its App Store after it was contacted by President Donald Trump’s administration, in a rare instance of apps being taken down due to a U.S. federal government demand.

The app alerts users to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in their area, which the Justice Department says could increase the risk of assault on U.S. agents.

ICE has been a central part of Trump’s hardline immigration agenda. Its agents have regularly raided and arrested migrants, and rights advocates say free speech and due process are often being infringed upon in the government’s deportation drive.

Apple’s action may increase scrutiny of tech firms’ growing ties to the Trump administration. Many companies,

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