Trump Administration Unveils Plan to Shake Up IRS in a Big Way

"Internal Revenue Service building sign"

The Trump administration unveils a plan to deputize IRS agents for immigration enforcement, sparking debate over resource allocation and border security.

Key Insights

Department of Homeland Security requests Treasury to deputize IRS agents for immigration enforcement.
Plan aims to utilize existing IRS personnel for tasks like apprehension and removal of illegal aliens.
Proposal targets over 20 million estimated illegal immigrants in the U.S.
Initiative faces legal challenges from sanctuary cities led by San Francisco.
Critics argue the move may compromise public safety and overstep federal authority.

Trump Administration’s Bold Immigration Strategy

In a significant shift in immigration policy, the Trump administration is considering using Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents to assist with immigration enforcement. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has formally requested Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to deputize IRS agents for this purpose, marking a new approach to addressing illegal immigration in the United States.

The plan involves IRS agents supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in various tasks, including the apprehension and removal of illegal aliens, as well as investigating unlawful hiring practices. This initiative aims to utilize the existing IRS workforce, which saw significant expansion under the Biden administration, rather than hiring new Homeland Security agents.

Scope and Objectives of the Initiative

President Donald Trump has proposed moving nearly 90,000 IRS agents to assist with securing the southern border. The broader goal is to address the large number of illegal immigrants in the U.S., estimated at over 20 million. DHS Secretary Noem stated that Trump directed the agency to use all available resources to secure the border and enforce immigration laws.

“It is DHS’s understanding that the Department of the Treasury has qualified law enforcement personnel available to assist with immigration enforcement, especially in light of recent increases to the Internal Revenue Service’s work force and budget. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a DHS component, has the following needs…” – Kristi Noem

The request to the Treasury highlights the need for IRS agents to assist in building complex cases involving tax, immigration, and money laundering charges. IRS agents would also help target unlawful hiring practices, human smuggling, trafficking rings, and other enforcement activities. While the IRS is primarily responsible for tax collection, it also investigates drug trafficking, money laundering, and corruption.

Key Areas of Focus

Nine key areas of need were identified for the deputized IRS agents: supporting immigration task forces, targeting illegal hiring, investigating human trafficking, seizing assets, overseeing contracts, aiding apprehensions, monitoring migrants, assisting in detentions, and helping with removals. The deputized agents could be involved in a large-scale, multi-agency operation in Los Angeles.

DHS has already partnered with various law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Texas National Guard, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office. This new initiative aims to further strengthen these efforts by bringing in IRS expertise.

Legal Challenges and Opposition

The proposal faces legal challenges from sanctuary cities, led by San Francisco. These cities are contesting Trump’s executive orders that cut federal funding to sanctuary cities and seek to prosecute non-cooperative local officials. San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu argues that sanctuary laws improve public safety and that the federal government is overstepping its authority.

Protests against Trump’s immigration policies have occurred in Los Angeles, highlighting the controversial nature of these measures. As the administration moves forward with its plans, the debate over the role of IRS agents in immigration enforcement and the broader implications for federal resource allocation continues to intensify.