Homeland Security’s Plan: IRS Agents to Enforce Immigration?

"Internal Revenue Service building sign"

Homeland Security’s proposal to deputize IRS agents for immigration enforcement sparks controversy and legal challenges.

Quick Takes

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem requests Treasury to deputize IRS agents for immigration enforcement
Proposal aims to investigate illegal financial activities related to employment and human trafficking
Trump administration halts hiring of new IRS agents, considers moving them to border enforcement
Sanctuary cities, led by San Francisco, legally challenge Trump’s executive orders on immigration
Critics argue the move could divert resources from IRS’s primary tax enforcement duties

DHS Seeks IRS Assistance in Immigration Enforcement

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made a bold request to the Treasury Department, seeking to deputize Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents for immigration enforcement duties. This controversial proposal, spearheaded by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, aims to bolster the department’s capabilities in combating illegal immigration and related financial crimes.

Secretary Noem’s request aligns with President Donald Trump’s directive to utilize all available resources to secure the southern border and enforce immigration laws. The move comes as part of a larger strategy to reinforce the immigration framework mandated by recent executive orders.

Instead of having Biden’s 87,000 IRS agents take more money from Americans, I have requested that they help taxpayers SAVE money by helping ICE round up criminal illegal aliens for deportation. pic.twitter.com/hD4v3xDNWf

— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) February 10, 2025

Proposed Roles for Deputized IRS Agents

If approved, the deputized IRS agents would be tasked with a range of responsibilities aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement efforts. These duties include supporting immigration task forces, targeting illegal hiring practices, investigating human trafficking operations, and assisting in asset seizures related to immigration violations.

“It is D.H.S.’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.” stated Kristi Noem. The IRS currently employs over 2,100 trained law enforcement officers among its 100,000 employees. These agents possess valuable skills in financial investigations, which could prove instrumental in building complex cases involving tax evasion, immigration violations, and money laundering.

Controversy and Opposition

The proposal has sparked significant controversy and faces strong opposition, particularly from sanctuary cities. San Francisco, leading the charge against the federal government’s actions, has initiated legal challenges to Trump’s executive orders that aim to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities and prosecute non-cooperative local officials.

Critics argue that this move could potentially divert crucial resources from the IRS’s primary tax enforcement duties, potentially leading to increased tax evasion and a widening of the U.S. deficit. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the federal government overstepping its authority and infringing upon local jurisdictions.

Trump Administration’s Broader Immigration Strategy

The proposal to deputize IRS agents is part of a larger strategy by the Trump administration to bolster immigration enforcement. President Trump has already halted the hiring of new IRS agents and has proposed moving nearly 90,000 IRS employees to assist in securing the southern border. “On Day 1 I immediately halted the hiring of any new I.R.S. agents. We’re in the process of developing a plan to either terminate all of them or maybe we’ll move them to the border. I think we’re going to move them to the border.” President Trump previously stated.

DHS has already partnered with various law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Justice, Texas National Guard, and Texas Attorney General’s Office, to strengthen its immigration enforcement capabilities. The addition of IRS agents to this coalition would further expand the department’s reach and effectiveness in addressing immigration-related issues.

As the debate over this controversial proposal continues, it remains to be seen how the Treasury Department will respond to DHS’s request and what impact this potential collaboration between tax enforcement and immigration authorities might have on both fronts.