Congress Must Investigate the IRS-DHS Data Scandal

Confidential taxpayer information was improperly shared with the Department of Homeland Security — and if Congress doesn’t act now, every taxpayer’s privacy could be at risk.

Recent reporting shows the IRS disclosed protected tax data to DHS as part of immigration enforcement efforts, despite strict federal laws that safeguard taxpayer confidentiality. These protections exist for a reason: Americans are required to share deeply personal financial information with the government, and that information must not be misused.

When sensitive data is shared across agencies for enforcement purposes, mistakes are inevitable. Wrong addresses, similar names, outdated records — these errors don’t just affect immigrants. U.S. citizens and lawful residents can also be subjected to wrongful scrutiny. Once privacy safeguards are weakened for one group, everyone becomes more vulnerable.
We call on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and Congressional Oversight Committees to launch an immediate, transparent investigation into the IRS and DHS data-sharing agreement. Congress must determine how many records were improperly disclosed, who is responsible, and what safeguards will be put in place to ensure this never happens again.

This moment is about more than one agency decision. It is about whether we allow confidential financial information — information the government requires us to provide — to be used in ways that chill trust and threaten civil liberties. Privacy is a cornerstone of democracy. If it can be eroded quietly, it can be eroded broadly.

Add your name today and demand accountability, transparency, and stronger protections for all taxpayers.