The IRS will share tax information with ICE.
The IRS will share tax data with ICE to combat illegal immigration, sparking controversy over privacy and tax compliance.
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The IRS has signed an agreement with immigration authorities to share tax data on certain immigrants without legal status, sparking a debate over privacy and tax compliance.
What does this mean?
The agreement allows ICE to request the IRS tax information on immigrants with final deportation orders or under criminal investigation, including those who have not left the country 90 days after being notified.
For years, the IRS assured undocumented immigrants that their information—provided through their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITN)—was not accurate.ITIN)—would remain private. This change puts thousands of workers at risk and could discourage tax compliance.
Dozens of Democratic members of Congress have urged the IRS to reconsider the agreement, arguing that fear of deportation will reduce tax filings. This would impact federal revenues that fund essential public services, increasing the tax burden on American citizens.
Internal Changes at the IRS
The controversy has prompted internal changes at the IRS. Melanie Krause, acting commissioner since February, will resign due to her opposition to the agreement, according to sources cited by Associated PressHis predecessor, Douglas O'Donnell, also resigned following tensions over access to tax data by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk.
The agreement aligns with President Donald Trump's agenda to strengthen border enforcement, including mass deportations and labor raids. Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, said the collaboration with the IRS will help identify people using false identities to access unauthorized benefits.
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