The IRS may soon use its taxpayer database to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) locate illegal aliens for deportation.
The tax agency is close to an agreement with ICE for agents to crosscheck key information on aliens with the taxpayer database, such as a home address. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, would not have direct access to IRS systems, but would be able to verify information with IRS agents, according to The New York Times.
The Trump administration has tried before to tap into the IRS’ extensive servers to aid in alien deportations. The IRS has resisted such plans over risks to sensitive taxpayer information and concern of violating federal law. The new agreement would be a breakthrough for the administration toward its goal of surging deportations.
While the IRS typically keeps taxpayer information away from other agencies, the…
