The Trump administration is reportedly moving forward with a controversial agreement that would allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to access confidential taxpayer data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Specifically, this deal would give ICE the names and addresses of suspected undocumented immigrants—using tax filings as a tool for immigration enforcement.

At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we believe that using taxpayer information—provided in good faith by immigrants—as a way to track and deport individuals is a deep violation of trust and privacy. It’s a dangerous path that may discourage compliance with tax laws and open the door to further misuse of personal information.

What Is the Proposed IRS–ICE Data-Sharing Deal?

According to reports from The Washington Post, the IRS and ICE have been in talks for weeks about a potential data-sharing agreement that would allow immigration authorities to use IRS databases to find and detain undocumented immigrants.

This would mark the first time in U.S. history that immigration enforcement relies directly on taxpayer data on such a broad scale. Until now, that data has been carefully protected—even from other government agencies—due to its sensitive nature and the critical need to maintain public trust in the tax system.

What the Law Says About Taxpayer Privacy

Under Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code, the IRS is legally bound to keep taxpayer data confidential. The only exceptions involve specific situations, such as when a law enforcement agency obtains court approval for data in the course of a criminal investigation unrelated to taxes.

The deal in question appears to stretch that exception significantly. Instead of case-by-case access, ICE would reportedly receive broad access to names and addresses for immigration purposes—something that has never been done and is not clearly allowed by law. Even inside the IRS, officials are concerned this move may violate long-standing privacy protections and damage the agency’s credibility.

Why This Deal Could Hurt Immigrant Communities

This agreement is especially concerning for immigrants who have filed taxes in good faith using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs). Many undocumented immigrants choose to file taxes to stay compliant with U.S. laws, demonstrate good moral character, and support future immigration efforts.

If this deal is finalized, it would:

• Discourage undocumented immigrants from filing taxes, leading to lower compliance and loss of federal revenue.
• Breach the trust between immigrants and government institutions.
• Risk the detention or removal of individuals based on information they willingly provided to meet their tax obligations.
• Set a dangerous precedent for future data-sharing between agencies, with few safeguards in place.

Common Questions Immigrants Are Asking

Will filing taxes put me at risk now?
If the IRS–ICE deal is finalized, filing taxes with an ITIN may put your information at risk of being accessed by immigration officials. However, not filing taxes may also hurt your legal standing in the long run, especially if you apply for relief or adjustment of status.

Can the government really share my tax info like this?
By law, tax information is protected—but under certain circumstances, such as court-approved investigations, limited sharing is allowed. The proposed deal seems to bypass the normal checks and could face legal challenges.

What can I do to protect myself?
Consulting with an immigration attorney now is one of the best steps you can take. We can help assess your risk, review your immigration options, and prepare a legal strategy in case enforcement actions are taken.

What Our Firm Can Do for You

At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we work with immigrants across Connecticut to provide trusted, responsive legal help. In light of this proposed agreement between ICE and the IRS, now is the time to get informed and prepared. Our services include:

• One-on-one case evaluations to assess your immigration risk
• Help with filing immigration applications
• Deportation defense and removal relief, if ICE enforcement affects you

We are here to help you understand your rights, reduce legal risk, and stand up for your future.

Take Action Now Before Policies Change Further

If finalized, the IRS–ICE data-sharing deal could create a new level of exposure for undocumented immigrants who have been trying to follow the law. It’s a troubling move by President Trump that puts personal information—once considered off-limits—into the hands of immigration enforcement.

Don’t wait for this to become a reality without preparing. If you or a family member is concerned about how this policy could affect your situation, talk to an experienced immigration attorney today.

Call The Law Offices of James A. Welcome at (203) 753-7300 for a confidential consultation. We provide services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and we proudly serve immigrant communities throughout Connecticut.

We’re here to help you stay informed, stay protected, and stay prepared.