In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the role of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in U.S. immigration policy, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has requested the Treasury Department to allow agents from the IRS’s Criminal Investigation division (IRS-CI) to assist in immigration law enforcement tasks.
According to reports from The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, the request was made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The aim is to leverage these agents’ expertise in financial investigations to tackle human trafficking networks and businesses employing undocumented immigrants.
- Human Trafficking: The IRS-CI agents’ skills could be pivotal in dismantling human trafficking operations.
- Employment of Undocumented Immigrants: Companies hiring undocumented workers might face increased scrutiny.
Confirmed | The IRS will impose a USD 5,000 penalty on taxpayers who engage in specific actions on their tax returns.
The Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS (IRS-CI) boasts an impressive 2,290 special agents, marking a 10% increase from their numbers in 2022, according to their 2024 annual report. These agents are not only skilled in conducting arrests and carrying firearms but are also adept at handling intricate investigations.
Attention Immigrants: IRS Monitors These Taxpayers
To date, these proficient agents have successfully uncovered more than $2.1 billion in tax fraud and an additional $7 billion in financial crimes over the past year, thanks to their expertise in tracking money flows. This capability makes them a valuable asset to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in its efforts to combat illegal activities associated with irregular immigration.
The Internal Revenue Service is collaborating with the government on deportation efforts. Source: Archive.
Concerns About IRS Involvement in Immigration Operations
However, the potential involvement of the IRS in immigration operations has raised concerns among attorneys. They caution that the tax agency maintains a strict policy of not sharing information with ICE, except in cases involving specific criminal investigations.
Outlined in Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code, there are strict protections in place to ensure taxpayer privacy. However, these regulations might be subject to change if Congress decides to pass new laws that allow for the sharing of tax data with other agencies.
Donald Trump’s Plan to Use the IRS for Deporting Immigrants
The primary aim of this initiative is to bolster efforts in controlling illegal immigration and to fulfill Donald Trump’s commitment to involve various federal agencies in enforcing immigration laws. Previously, the government had already given the green light for the participation of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Marshals Service.
In a memorandum, Kristi Noem emphasized to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acknowledges the capability of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) unit to assist in financial investigations and immigration operations. This is particularly significant following the 2022 budget expansion, which allowed for an increase in their workforce.