This was surprising.
A major shift in federal policy could soon give immigration agents access to IRS tax records—raising serious questions about border security, privacy, and taxpayer trust.
In a move that could reshape how illegal immigration is tracked and prosecuted, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are finalizing an agreement that would allow ICE to use taxpayer information to locate and deport illegal immigrants with final removal orders.
ICE May Soon Use IRS Data to Locate Illegal Immigrants
According to a report from The Washington Post, the draft deal would allow ICE to submit names and addresses of individuals in the U.S. illegally, cross-checking them with confidential IRS data.
This would be a sharp departure from the IRS’s longstanding practice of keeping taxpayer records strictly off-limits—even from law enforcement. But under this new plan, ICE would be allowed to verify the addresses of illegal immigrants who are already under final deportation orders.
Only two officials—DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and acting ICE Director Todd Lyons—would be authorized to request this information, helping ensure the program remains targeted and legal.
Immigration Crackdown: Using Every Tool Available
The policy shift comes as President Donald Trump steps up efforts to fulfill his promise of tougher immigration enforcement. By using all lawful tools at the government’s disposal, Trump is putting pressure on federal agencies to remove those who violate our laws and refuse to leave the country after court-ordered deportations.
This approach is likely to be welcomed by many conservatives who’ve grown tired of the federal government turning a blind eye to illegal immigration—despite the national security and financial costs.
Internal Pushback from IRS Officials
Not everyone at the IRS supports the deal. Some long-serving officials argue that taxpayer data should remain confidential—even for those in the country illegally. They worry that cooperating with ICE could discourage undocumented immigrants from filing tax returns, potentially reducing federal tax revenues.
For years, the IRS has quietly collected millions of tax returns from illegal immigrants, using a system that promised their personal data would not be shared with immigration enforcement. That may now be changing.
IRS Commissioner Resigns Amid Controversy
Adding to the tension, former acting IRS commissioner Doug O’Donnell abruptly resigned last month after 38 years of service. Sources say he stepped down after refusing a Department of Homeland Security request for tax information on over 700,000 illegal immigrants.
He has since been replaced by Melanie Krause, who is said to be more open to cooperation between the IRS and immigration officials.
Final Agreement Still Pending
At this time, the agreement between the IRS and ICE has not yet been finalized, and neither agency has responded to media requests for comment.
But if approved, it would represent one of the most aggressive federal efforts in years to crack down on illegal immigration using data-driven enforcement.
Do you support President Trump’s effort to use all available tools to enforce immigration laws?