IRS Agents Face Potential Reassignments, Deputization

"Internal Revenue Service building sign"

The Trump administration is exploring a novel approach to immigration enforcement by potentially deputizing IRS agents to assist with border security and repatriation efforts.

Quick Takes

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem requests Treasury to deputize IRS agents for immigration enforcement
Plan involves IRS agents supporting ICE in apprehension, removal, and investigating unlawful hiring
Initiative aims to utilize existing IRS personnel rather than hiring new Homeland Security agents
Proposal seeks to address the estimated 20 million illegal immigrants in the U.S.
Sanctuary cities are legally challenging Trump’s executive orders on immigration enforcement

Trump Administration’s Bold Immigration Enforcement Strategy

In a significant shift in immigration policy, the Trump administration is considering a plan to deputize 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 make IRS personnel available for this purpose, citing the agency’s recent workforce and budget increases.

The proposed plan would involve 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 existing federal resources rather than hiring new Homeland Security agents, potentially addressing the estimated 20 million illegal immigrants currently in the United States.

Scope of IRS Agent Involvement

According to the proposal, IRS agents could be deployed across nine key areas of need: 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. This broad scope of involvement underscores the administration’s commitment to leveraging all available federal resources to address immigration challenges.

“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 IRS, while primarily responsible for tax collection, already has experience in investigating complex cases involving drug trafficking, money laundering, and corruption. This existing expertise could prove valuable in building comprehensive cases that involve tax, immigration, and money laundering charges.

Executive Order and Legal Challenges

President Trump has signed an executive order directing DHS to secure the southern border, which includes provisions for deputizing other government employees. This order allows for the broad reallocation of federal resources to address immigration enforcement priorities.

However, the administration’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement is facing legal challenges. Sanctuary cities, led by San Francisco, are contesting Trump’s executive orders that cut federal funding to non-cooperative jurisdictions and seek to prosecute local officials who do not comply with federal immigration efforts. San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu argues that sanctuary laws improve public safety and that the federal government is overstepping its authority.

Implications and Next Steps

The potential deputization of IRS agents for immigration enforcement represents a significant shift in how federal resources are allocated to address national priorities. If implemented, this plan could dramatically increase the manpower available for immigration enforcement operations, potentially leading to more apprehensions and deportations of illegal immigrants.

As the Trump administration moves forward with this initiative, it is likely to face continued legal challenges and public protests, particularly in sanctuary cities. The outcome of these legal battles and the public’s response to this unconventional approach to immigration enforcement will undoubtedly shape the future of U.S. immigration policy and the role of federal agencies in enforcing it.