IRS moves to make deal with ICE to locate illegal immigrants through addresses on tax forms

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is preparing to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to help locate illegal immigrants facing deportation by using taxpayer information.

According to a report by The New York Times, a draft agreement between the IRS and ICE indicates that the tax agency would verify whether immigration authorities have the correct home addresses for individuals ordered to leave the country. Many illegal immigrants file tax returns with the IRS, providing the agency with details about their addresses, families, employers, and earnings.

IRS officials had previously resisted requests from the Department of Homeland Security to share this information, citing concerns that it could violate federal laws protecting the confidentiality of personal tax data. Disclosing such information without proper authorization carries legal penalties. 

However, following the Trump administration’s decision to replace the IRS’s top lawyer, discussions about cooperation have resumed on a narrower scale. The current proposal reportedly focuses on confirming information ICE has already obtained rather than sharing broad tax records.

Under certain conditions, federal law allows tax information to be shared with law enforcement agencies. The Washington Post, which reviewed portions of the draft agreement, reported that ICE would only confirm addresses of known illegal immigrants who have already been ordered to leave the US. Requests would be submitted by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem or Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, and would include the individual’s name, address, and date of removal order.

The Department of Homeland Security has previously attempted to involve the IRS in its immigration enforcement efforts, including requesting that IRS agents audit businesses suspected of hiring illegal immigrants.