Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to lend her agency IRS workers to assist with immigration enforcement.
In a letter obtained by The Associated Press and dated Feb. 7, Noem asks Bessent for IRS workers to help with the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown efforts given the IRS’ boost in funding.
The federal tax collection agency originally received an $80 billion infusion of funds under the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, though that money has already been clawed back.
FILE – The exterior of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building in Washington, on March 22, 2013. One of Washington’s favorite punching bags, the Internal Revenue Service, may finally get the resources it’s been asking Congress for if Democrats get their economic package focused on energy and health care over the finish line. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
The DHS asks for IRS workers to help with serving in interagency task forces with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, targeting employers engaged in unlawful hiring practices, monitoring undocumented people who report to ICE offices, and other tasks.
“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,” Noem said.
The Trump administration has promised severe cutbacks to the IRS.
A 2023 debt ceiling and budget-cuts deal between Republicans and the White House resulted in $1.4 billion rescinded from the agency and a separate agreement to take $20 billion from the IRS over the next two years and divert those funds to other nondefense programs.
A representative from the Treasury did not respond to a request for comment.
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