The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has requested the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide addresses of approximately 700,000 undocumented immigrants for deportation, raising concerns over taxpayer privacy laws. IRS officials have denied these requests due to legal issues. This initiative is part of the Trump administration’s broader deportation plans, which include creating a migrant registry and using military sites for deportations. Additionally, the IRS has been approached to assist in auditing companies hiring unauthorized immigrants. Tensions within the IRS are high following significant layoffs and leadership changes amid pressure from the Trump administration and figures like Elon Musk.
According to three individuals familiar with the situation, the Department of Homeland Security has urged the Internal Revenue Service to provide the addresses of approximately 700,000 undocumented immigrants targeted for deportation, a request that may breach taxpayer privacy laws.
So far, I.R.S. officials have rejected the department’s efforts to confirm these addresses due to legal concerns. However, this request is part of a larger initiative by the Trump administration to involve the tax agency in mass deportation efforts.
Numerous undocumented immigrants file tax returns with the I.R.S., offering information about their residences, families, employers, and income. Those without Social Security numbers are assigned a unique nine-digit individual taxpayer identification number by the I.R.S. for the purpose of filing their returns.
Typically, taxpayer information is safeguarded at the I.R.S., with federal law prohibiting unauthorized disclosure. I.R.S. officials have informed their counterparts at the Department of Homeland Security that they must adhere to regulations concerning taxpayer privacy, as noted by sources familiar with the matter.
Neither the I.R.S. nor the Department of Homeland Security responded immediately to requests for comment. The Washington Post previously reported on this request.
This request reflects the extreme measures the Trump administration is willing to take in order to deport millions of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. Officials are planning to establish a registry for migrants and are utilizing military facilities to aid in deportations.
The Trump administration has consistently sought access to taxpayer information from the I.R.S. in ways that have raised concerns among tax agency officials regarding potential violations of federal law. Recently, an agreement was signed allowing a member of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to access anonymized taxpayer data as part of a software modernization effort. The Musk-led team is focused on reducing federal programs and the government workforce.
Previously, the Department of Homeland Security attempted to involve I.R.S. agents in its extensive immigration enforcement, seeking help in auditing businesses that might hire unauthorized immigrants, as indicated in a memo reviewed by The New York Times. President Trump has also proposed deploying I.R.S. agents to the border with Mexico.
These requests have contributed to the chaos at an agency already facing challenges. The I.R.S. has experienced over 7,000 layoffs under the Trump administration, and its acting commissioner, Doug O’Donnell, resigned on Friday, marking the second resignation in leadership within just over a month.
Both Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk have expressed the view that the I.R.S. should be dismantled.