ICE IRS Data Request Controversy

ICE's IRS Data Request Sparks Privacy Concerns

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sparked controversy after requesting the IRS to share data of nearly 1.3 million taxpayers. Out of the 1.27 million records requested, 47,489 were deemed to be matches for individuals ICE sought.

The data-sharing agreement, which was questioned for its legality in February by acting IRS Commissioner Douglas O'Donnell, has faced strong opposition. Advocacy groups have expressed strenuous pushback against the deal.

The data requested includes personally identifiable information such as names, dates of birth, addresses, and fingerprint identification numbers. This raised concerns about privacy and potential misuse of sensitive information.

Melanie Krause, who succeeded O'Donnell as the head of ICE in August 2021, also resigned from her role over objections to the data-sharing deal. The agency involved, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), was previously led by Krause.

In response to the criticism, the IRS was ordered to provide 24 hours notice if it shares substantial amounts of taxpayer data with ICE again. However, another request for corporate return information from Customs and Border Protection was deemed not to fall within the court's order by the DOJ.

The data-sharing agreement between ICE and IRS has sparked debate and concern over privacy and potential misuse of sensitive taxpayer information. Despite the controversy, ICE continues to seek such data, with the IRS now required to provide notice before sharing substantial amounts.