A federal judge has ruled that the Internal Revenue Service can legally share limited taxpayer information with the Department of Homeland Security to aid in immigration enforcement operations.
The decision marks a legal victory for the Trump administration, allowing the two agencies to coordinate efforts in identifying and deporting individuals with final removal orders or those under active criminal investigation. The ruling came after immigrant rights organizations challenged the data-sharing agreement, arguing it violated privacy protections.
Judge Dabney Friedrich rejected those claims, stating that the agreement aligns with existing laws that permit the IRS to share certain non-return information—such as names and addresses—for criminal investigative purposes. Tax return details will remain protected unless stricter legal conditions are met.
The IRS emphasized that any shared data would be handled in accordance with federal privacy statutes. Homeland Security officials welcomed the decision, citing the need for stronger tools to track down individuals who have evaded immigration enforcement.
Opponents of the ruling warn it sets a troubling precedent for government access to taxpayer records and are weighing additional legal action to limit the scope of the agreement. As the ruling takes effect, the case underscores the expanding role of inter-agency cooperation in federal immigration policy.