IRS and ICE may share undocumented immigrants' tax data

The IRS is close to a deal with immigration officials that could change how tax data is used in deportation cases. The agreement would allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to access the names and addresses of undocumented immigrants from the IRS. This idea raises concerns about privacy rights and potential abuse of power under the Trump administration. If the deal goes through, it would be the first time immigration officials have used tax information in such a broad way. The IRS has always kept tax data confidential, and many are worried about this shift in policy. Historically, undocumented immigrants must file taxes using individual taxpayer identification numbers (ITINs), and more than half of them do so. Although the IRS protects taxpayer information, there are exceptions. For instance, under certain conditions, the IRS can share information with law enforcement. However, experts say it is unusual for this to happen for immigration enforcement, making the current situation particularly concerning. The Trump administration has been known for its strict immigration policies. During his campaign, Trump promised to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans to revoke temporary legal status for over 530,000 immigrants from various countries. ICE has also been conducting raids in cities like Chicago and New York. Last weekend, despite a judge's order, ICE deported 137 Venezuelan immigrants. Officials like Tom Homan, the border czar, have made it clear that they do not intend to comply with judicial decisions in some cases. Attorney General Pam Bondi described ongoing deportations as part of a serious fight against alleged gang members.