This is the new America, where there have been troubling reports indicating that federal agencies are leveraging IRS data and other sources to assist in immigration enforcement, specifically targeting delivery drivers.
The U.S. government has acknowledged in federal court that the IRS has shared taxpayer data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This includes personal information such as addresses and employer details, which can be used to locate undocumented immigrants.
Moreover, in Washington, D.C., multiple incidents have been reported where delivery drivers, many of whom are immigrants of color, are being stopped and detained by federal agents. During stops, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officers question drivers about their immigration status and consequently, make arrests.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has even requested the deputization of IRS agents to support deportation efforts, as part of a broader strategy under the present administration to intensify immigration enforcement.
DHS actions have raised serious Legal and Ethical Concerns. Experts warn that this kind of data sharing undermines long-standing taxpayer protections and could erode trust in public institutions. Furthermore, DHS actions are having a chilling effect on immigrant taxpayers. Many undocumented immigrants who pay taxes may now fear filing returns, worried that their information could be used against them.
This is particularly true for the so-called Gig Workers. Delivery drivers, who often work for platforms like Uber Eats or DoorDash, are particularly vulnerable due to the visibility of their work and their reliance on personal data for app-based employment. The government has emphasized prioritizing the deportation of immigrants, both documented and undocumented, who have been convicted of violent crimes.
Leveraging IRS data and other sources to assist in immigration enforcement also raises serious questions about the balance between law enforcement and civil liberties. Moreover, what happens to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prioritization of deportation efforts, with a particular focus on individuals convicted of crimes like murder, sexual assault, and drug trafficking?
In the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement, it’s vital to remember that policies are not just political instruments; they shape lives, families, and futures. While national security and public safety are legitimate concerns, blanket approaches that criminalize entire communities often do more harm than good.
A just and humane immigration system must balance enforcement with compassion, facts with fairness, and law with dignity. Only then can we build a society that reflects the values Americans claim to uphold. This includes liberty, opportunity, and justice for all. America must be better than what I have witnessed in the last several months.