The Department of Homeland Security and IRS struck a new deal. ICE can now access taxpayer data to help locate illegal immigrants ordered for deportation.
The Trump administration filed a memo Monday outlining the process. It sets rules for how ICE can request info from the IRS.
“The Internal Revenue Service and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement have entered into a memorandum of understanding to establish a clear and secure process to support law enforcement’s efforts to combat illegal immigration,” a Treasury spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
“The bases for this MOU are founded in longstanding authorities granted by Congress, which serve to protect the privacy of law-abiding Americans while streamlining the ability to pursue criminals,” the statement added. “After four years of Joe Biden flooding the nation with illegal aliens, President Trump’s highest priority is to ensure the safety of the American people.”
A senior Treasury official said these immigrants have already gone through the courts. They've remained in the U.S. more than 90 days after being ordered out.
The new MOU ensures taxpayer data is protected while aiding law enforcement. Only those involved in criminal violations will be pursued, the official added.
The Treasury still promises to protect law-abiding taxpayers. But the law requires help be given to law enforcement in criminal cases, the official said.
A Washington Post report last month mentioned a draft deal. That version limited ICE to just confirming immigrant addresses.
Now, ICE can send names and suspected addresses to the IRS. The IRS would then match them to tax data and send current info back.
Some long-time IRS staff aren’t happy. They say the criminal exception wasn’t meant for immigration and could scare off illegal immigrants from paying taxes.
This agreement follows Trump’s push to step up deportations. He’s looking for every tool available to help ICE do its job.