DHS Seeks IRS Agents for Immigration Enforcement Amid Policy Shift

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (Reuters) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking to enlist personnel from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to aid in immigration enforcement efforts, according to a DHS document and agency spokesperson. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem submitted a request on February 7 to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for the support of criminal investigators and other Treasury Department employees.

Noem’s letter outlines a strategy aimed at addressing human trafficking networks and identifying businesses that employ workers illegally in the U.S. “It is DHS’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 IRS’s workforce and budget,” Noem stated.

The current administration has refocused its mass deportation strategy, shifting resources from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigative arm to enhance immigration enforcement capabilities. This change also includes efforts to authorize Justice Department agents to assist in these operations. Additionally, the U.S. military has been involved in providing deportation flights, including operations from the naval base in Guantanamo, Cuba.

Historically, the IRS has been tasked with collecting taxes and enforcing related laws. However, its criminal investigators are primarily engaged in tackling drug trafficking, money laundering, and corruption. This dual role is part of the rationale behind their potential involvement in immigration enforcement.

The Biden administration has faced criticism from Republicans concerning the IRS’s expanded role and budget over the past decade, as they argue it redirects focus away from traditional tax collection efforts. In January, a Republican bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives proposing the abolition of the IRS and a major overhaul of the nation’s tax code. Similar efforts have previously stagnated in Congress.

The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on Noem’s letter proposing the recruitment of Treasury Department employees for immigration enforcement roles. As of now, the IRS and Treasury Department have not provided comments regarding the request.