Federal investigators are using a device designed for counterterrorism to locate undocumented immigrants, The Detroit News reported Thursday.

The device, which is known as a Hailstorm or Stingray, simulates a cell tower and fools nearby phones into providing location data. It can also interrupt cellular service in the targeted area.

The newspaper obtained an unsealed federal search warrant affidavit documenting the use of device.

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Federal investigators are required to obtain a judge’s approval to use the controversial tool.

FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Detroit used the mechanism during a case in March, the report said.

Authorities were trying to find Rudy Carcamo-Carranza, 23, a twice-deported restaurant worker from El Salvador who had been accused in drunk-driving and hit-and-run cases.

ICE spokesman Khaalid Walls defended his agency’s use of the device.

“ICE officers and special agents use a broad range of investigative techniques in the apprehension of criminal suspects,” he told the News.

“Cell-site simulators are invaluable law enforcement tools that locate or identify mobile devices during active criminal investigations.”

ICE on Wednesday announced that Trump’s executive orders on immigration have led to surge in its immigration arrests and deportations.

The agency said it had arrested more than 41,000 either known or suspected undocumented immigrants during Trump’s first 100 days, a 37.6 percent increase from the same period in 2016.