Add your name if you’re with us: IRS data shouldn't be a deportation tool!

Taxpayer data shouldn't become a deportation tool.

Pamela: A simple data-sharing deal between the Departments of Treasury and Homeland Security (DHS) could hand Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a terrifying new tool in their efforts to track and deport people.

In a dangerous, unprecedented, and likely illegal move, the IRS would disclose taxpayer data — potentially including sensitive information such as Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), Social Security Numbers (SSNs), and home addresses — to ICE.[1] The dragnet could ensnarl up to seven MILLION people and ultimately mean tens of BILLIONS of dollars in lost tax revenue that pay for everything from Medicare to defense.

This agreement is nothing short of a BETRAYAL to millions of immigrants who contribute to our economy, pay billions of dollars in taxes each year, and keep our communities strong. Let’s be clear: The Trump administration’s surveillance, suppression, and punishment of immigrants is authoritarianism taking root. 

Congress must respond, and swiftly — and they’re more likely to if they hear from tens of thousands of activists across the country today. Let’s urge every lawmaker on Capitol Hill to reestablish the firewall that protects taxpayer confidentiality NOW. 

Tell Congress: Protect people’s privacy by stopping the IRS from sharing private information with DHS and ICE.

ACT NOW

For decades, the IRS has held a crucial firewall around people’s personal data, recognizing the vital importance of encouraging tax compliance without fear of persecution. Because of this, the IRS is one of the most trusted agencies in the federal government. 

Let’s break down what’s happened: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem quietly upended 50 years of privacy protections and weaponized personal information so Stephen Miller and Co. can more efficiently deport people.

The Washington Post reports that the IRS’ own lawyers have argued the deal could violate U.S. law. It’s such an egregious overreach that even Trump officials are questioning the move and the acting IRS Commissioner has resigned in response. 

Amidst Elon Musk’s insults to federal workers and Trump’s whiplash tariffs, Secs. Noem and Bessent are further eroding what little trust the public has left in the federal government.

But we can — and must — demand better. Luckily, Democrat members of Congress have already spoken out about "long-lasting and devastating implications on our economy, taxpayer privacy, immigrant communities, and the rule of law.”[2] Pamela, we need to make sure that it’s not just a few key Dems speaking out, so sign now and urge EVERY lawmaker on Capitol Hill to work to protect taxpayer confidentiality NOW. 

We cannot allow this reckless misuse of your data. Demand Congress protect people’s privacy by stopping the IRS from sharing private information with ICE.

After weeks of plainclothed, masked ICE agents arresting students, raiding workplaces, showing up near elementary schools, and more, our immigrant neighbors are rightly terrified. Innocent people are being detained thousands of miles away from their loved ones or deported to a notorious mega prison in El Salvador.

Right now, Trump’s actions are facing a slew of lawsuits. As those cases make their way through the courts, we have an obligation to remind Congress where their constituents stand.

Each and every time we pressure our members of Congress, we’re showing up for our values, reminding them we’re paying attention, and holding them accountable. That’s not all – with every petition signature, phone call, and protest, we’re ALSO creating the political space our decision-makers need to be bolder and work harder at building the safer, more sustainable future we all want and deserve.

Thank you for working for peace,
The Win Without War team

1. NPR, “The IRS finalizes a deal to share tax information with immigration authorities”
2. Press Release, “Padilla, Cortez Masto, Wyden Statement on Reported IRS Plans to Share Sensitive Taxpayer Data to DHS”

 

 

 

---

Donate

A U.S. foreign policy rooted in human rights and justice won't happen overnight. If you're with us for the long haul, consider a monthly donation.

Win Without War is a 501(c)4 organization and donations are not tax deductible. If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit the Win Without War Education Fund here.

© Win Without War 2021
1 Thomas Circle NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005
info@winwithoutwar.org 

This email was sent to kmyers209.shamrock5@blogger.com. Email is the most important way for us to reach you about opportunities to act. If you need to remove yourself from our email list, click here to unsubscribe.