Judge Deals Big Blow To Trump
A major legal move is raising alarms across the country as a federal judge temporarily stopped the Internal Revenue Service from sharing key taxpayer information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision immediately triggered concerns that it may weaken the Trump administration’s push to enforce immigration laws and protect American taxpayers.
Judge Halts IRS From Providing Illegal Immigrant Address Data
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ruled that the IRS cannot turn over confidential address data tied to thousands of illegal immigrants—many of whom file taxes using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers—until the court completes a full review of the case, Politico reported.
This pause directly affects an information-sharing agreement that allowed ICE to request IRS data on foreign nationals who are under deportation orders or are being investigated for violations of federal law.
Advocacy Groups Sue to Stop Cooperation Between Agencies
Left-wing immigration groups filed the lawsuit to shut down the agreement, claiming it might discourage illegal immigrants from filing tax returns or push them toward underground, cash-based work. These groups argue that immigration enforcement could cost the government billions in tax revenue.
According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, illegal immigrants contributed an estimated $96.7 billion in state, local, and federal taxes in 2022. Of that, $59.4 billion went to the federal government and $37.3 billion to state and local authorities.
Their calculation claims that if just 10% of illegal immigrants stop filing taxes, the government could lose $9.5 billion in revenue this year alone.
Conservatives Push Back: Enforcement Is About Safety, Not Revenue
Supporters of President Trump’s immigration policies argue that enforcement should never be tied to how much money illegal immigrants might pay in taxes. They warn that allowing tax revenue to dictate law enforcement priorities puts national security—and public safety—at risk.
DHS: Trump Administration Is Restoring the Enforcement That Should Have Happened Decades Ago
Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, strongly defended the administration’s efforts.
She emphasized that information-sharing is essential to:
- Identify individuals living in the country illegally
- Locate dangerous criminals
- Address terror-related threats
- Clean voter rolls
- Prevent abuse of taxpayer-funded benefits
Her statement underscored that the Trump administration is taking steps previous administrations should have taken years ago.
Judge Restricts Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent From Sharing Data
The ruling also prevents Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent—who is currently acting as IRS commissioner—from releasing taxpayer information to DHS unless it directly supports a non-tax criminal investigation.
A Big Win for Activists, A Big Loss for Immigration Enforcement
The decision is being celebrated by progressive advocacy groups, but immigration-enforcement supporters say it blocks ICE from accessing basic information needed to remove individuals who have already broken U.S. law.
Critics argue this ruling places an unnecessary burden on American taxpayers, weakens border security, and slows the Trump administration’s efforts to restore law and order.
