In a significant development, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have finalized an agreement that will allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to taxpayer data to locate individuals subject to deportation.
This collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) submitted to a court on Monday, aims to assist ICE in tracking down criminal aliens who have disregarded or failed to comply with a judge’s removal order following a 90-day grace period. The MOU establishes protocols designed to safeguard taxpayer privacy while facilitating law enforcement’s efforts.
“The Internal Revenue Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement have partnered to create a clear and secure process supporting law enforcement’s fight against illegal immigration,” stated a Treasury Department spokesperson.
According to a statement from the Treasury Department, the agreement is rooted in long-standing congressional authority that balances privacy protection for law-abiding citizens with the need to pursue criminals. The statement further emphasized: “After four years of Joe Biden’s policies contributing to an influx of illegal aliens, President Trump’s top priority remains ensuring the safety of the American people.”
A senior Treasury official affirmed that these individuals have undergone due process but remain in violation of a court order. The MOU specifically outlines procedures intended to protect sensitive taxpayer information while enabling law enforcement investigations into criminal activity.
“The Treasury Department is dedicated to protecting the privacy of compliant taxpayers, however, a criminal exception requires our agency’s assistance to law enforcement,” explained the official.
Initially reported by the Washington Post, a draft of the agreement focused on allowing ICE to verify addresses for individuals who have final removal orders. The process involves ICE submitting names and addresses to the IRS, enabling cross-referencing with tax records to obtain current address information.
While generally supported, some veteran IRS officials have expressed reservations. Concerns include whether the narrowly defined exception should be applied to immigration enforcement rather than solely for criminal investigations. Furthermore, they worry that this policy might impede tax collection from undocumented immigrants who are still legally obligated to pay federal taxes.
This agreement marks a renewed effort by President Donald Trump to intensify deportation procedures, fulfilling campaign promises and utilizing all available resources to bolster immigration authorities.
- The MOU allows ICE access to taxpayer data.
- It targets criminal aliens who have failed to comply with removal orders after 90 days.
- The agreement aims to balance law enforcement needs with taxpayer privacy.
- Some IRS officials are concerned about the scope of the exception and potential impact on tax collection.
