IRS Agrees to Share Immigrant Tax Data with ICE for Deportation Enforcement
The United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has entered into a new agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to share taxpayer data to support immigration enforcement—a move seen as a major shift in how federal agencies use tax information.
The agreement, signed Monday by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, allows ICE to submit names and addresses of individuals suspected to be in the U.S. illegally for verification against IRS tax records.
According to the Treasury, the deal aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader push to tighten immigration enforcement and secure U.S. borders. Officials claim the data-sharing will enhance ICE’s ability to locate and deport undocumented immigrants. This comes amid increased federal actions, including workplace raids and the use of an 18th-century law to deport Venezuelan migrants.
A Treasury official defended the arrangement, saying it is rooted in “longstanding congressional authority” and aims to balance enforcement with the protection of law-abiding taxpayers’ privacy. “This helps streamline efforts to target criminals without damaging public trust,” the official stated.
However, the agreement has drawn sharp criticism from privacy advocates and legal scholars. The NYU Tax Law Center warned that the move risks violating federal statutes that safeguard taxpayer confidentiality. “IRS officials who authorize such disclosures could be exposed to legal consequences,” the Center cautioned.
Critics argue that this could discourage immigrants from filing taxes, fearing that their information could be used for deportation. They also worry it sets a dangerous precedent, weakening privacy protections for all Americans.
Despite the backlash, the memorandum claims both agencies will uphold all relevant privacy laws and administrative standards in implementing the agreement.
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