The Trump administration is closing in on a powerful new tool to track down illegal immigrants through the cooperation of an unexpected ally: the IRS. Immigration officials could soon tap into taxpayer data, turning tax filing information into a roadmap for deportation efforts.
At a glance:
• IRS and ICE are finalizing a data-sharing agreement to support deportation efforts
• Agreement would allow ICE to verify addresses of suspected illegal immigrants through tax records
• ICE would submit names for the IRS to check against its databases without direct access to IRS systems
• Many illegal immigrants file taxes using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs)
• IRS officials have raised concerns about privacy and legal issues with the arrangement
New Enforcement Partnership Takes Shape
The IRS is nearing a landmark agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement that could dramatically enhance deportation efforts across the United States. The cooperation would give immigration officials a powerful new method to locate illegal immigrants by verifying their addresses through tax information they’ve filed with the government.
Under the proposed arrangement, ICE would send names and addresses of suspected illegal aliens to the IRS for verification against their databases. The IRS agents would then confirm whether the information matches what’s in their records, providing a reliable way to locate individuals who have entered or remained in the country illegally.
The proposals mirror the Trump administration’s increased reassignment of federal agents toward robust immigration enforcement.
Tax Data Becomes Enforcement Tool
Millions of illegal immigrants regularly file tax returns using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), which the IRS issues to people who aren’t eligible for Social Security numbers. These filings create a detailed record of current addresses and other personal information that could now be leveraged for immigration purposes.
The agreement is a major shift from past practice, as the IRS has typically shared taxpayer information with law enforcement only after receiving a court order. Section 6103 of the federal tax code mandates strict confidentiality of taxpayer information, with only limited exceptions for law enforcement purposes.
According to reports, the Trump administration previously attempted to access this data but faced resistance from within the IRS. Now, after replacing the top lawyer at the tax agency, the administration appears to be making progress in gaining access to this valuable information source.
Strategic Shift in Immigration Enforcement
The Department of Homeland Security has already begun redirecting agents to focus specifically on identifying and locating illegal aliens for deportation. This new data-sharing agreement would provide these agents with significantly more accurate information.
Studies have shown that illegal immigrants have contributed approximately $25.7 billion in Social Security taxes using borrowed or fraudulent Social Security numbers. While they pay into the system, many immigration opponents point out that this doesn’t legitimize their presence in the country without proper authorization.
