Trump Admin Enlists IRS for Immigration Enforcement

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has requested Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to deputize IRS agents to assist with immigration enforcement, as part of the Trump administration's broader effort to curb illegal immigration. This move aims to utilize the IRS's law enforcement personnel to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in tasks such as investigating employers who hire undocumented workers and tackling human trafficking operations. The request highlights the increased workforce and budget of the IRS, which has over 2,000 law enforcement officers. Critics argue that diverting IRS resources to immigration may detract from its primary role of investigating financial crimes. The administration's strategy forms part of a 'whole-of-government' approach, also involving other federal agencies in immigration enforcement. This controversial plan has sparked debate over resource allocation and the prioritization of immigration over financial crime investigations.