US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem has asked the Treasury Department to send Internal Revenue Service personnel to assist with immigration enforcement. This request comes as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to expand federal resources and fulfill his campaign pledge to deport more undocumented immigrants.
Noem cited Trump’s “Securing Our Borders” executive order, which directed the Defense and Homeland Security departments to deploy sufficient personnel along the southern border. The Treasury Department has qualified law enforcement personnel available to assist with immigration enforcement, according to Noem.
The proposal involves law enforcement officials from the IRS criminal investigation division assisting with immigration crackdowns. This move comes at an uncertain time for the IRS, which saw budget improvements in 2022 revitalized its staffing and enforcement efforts but also faced criticism from Trump and congressional Republicans.
Trump’s administration has been working on implementing a large-scale deportation operation, as promised by the president during his campaign. The agency recently began sending migrants to Guantánamo Bay, prompting concerns from immigrant advocates.
The IRS criminal investigation division is tasked with investigating financial crimes such as tax fraud, money laundering, and drug trafficking. With 2,290 special agents in 2024, the division has seen a 10% increase since 2022. However, the agency’s future funding remains uncertain due to Trump’s administration decisions.
Noem stated that law enforcement officials from the Treasury Department would have the authority to enforce immigration laws, citing recent increases in the IRS workforce and budget. This development marks another effort by the Trump administration to implement its deportation policies.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/02/10/irs-immigration-ice-raids