ICE Expands Data Access on Defendants in D.C. Courts Amid 2025 Enforcement Push

Federal immigration authorities have begun using new powers to access the immigration status of people facing charges in Washington, D.C. courts, following major policy changes that took effect by July 31, 2025. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency now works with several federal and local agencies to collect and use personal data, raising concerns for immigrants, their families, and even some U.S. citizens.

This shift comes after a series of court decisions and new agreements in 2024 and 2025, which have allowed ICE to greatly expand its reach. The Trump administration has made immigration enforcement a top priority, aiming to increase deportations to record levels. As a result, many people who interact with the court system in Washington, D.C.—even for minor offenses—now face a much higher risk of being identified and targeted by ICE.

How ICE Accesses Court and Tax Data

ICE’s new approach relies on several powerful tools to gather information about defendants in the D.C. court system. The most significant change arrived on May 12, 2025, when a federal court approved a new agreement between ICE and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For the first time, the IRS now shares taxpayer information—including home addresses and identity details—with ICE if the agency claims it is for a criminal investigation. This is possible under Section 6103(i)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, which requires the IRS to provide such data when ICE submits a valid written request.

While the law says the request must be for a criminal investigation, critics say ICE often uses this process for civil immigration enforcement. In practice, this means that even people who have not committed serious crimes—or who are only facing civil infractions—can have their information handed over to ICE. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this agreement could affect millions of people, as ICE has already requested addresses for 700,000 individuals and plans to expand to as many as 7 million taxpayers.

ICE also works closely with local law enforcement in the D.C. area through expanded Section 287(g) agreements. These agreements, part of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allow local police to act as ICE agents and share information about people they arrest or detain. The number of 287(g) agreements has grown nearly six times in the first six months of President Trump’s current term, showing the administration’s strong push for local-federal cooperation.

Another key tool is the Secure Communities Program. This program lets ICE receive fingerprint and arrest data from local jails and police, including those in Washington, D.C. When someone is booked into jail, their information is automatically sent to ICE, which can then decide whether to take further action.

Legal Authority and Court Decisions

The legal basis for these data-sharing practices comes from federal law and recent court rulings. Section 6103(i)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code requires the IRS to share address information with ICE if a proper request is made. Courts have ruled that as long as ICE follows the letter of the law, these practices do not violate taxpayer confidentiality or previous IRS policies.

Similarly, Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act gives ICE the power to enter into agreements with local police, allowing them to help enforce immigration laws. Recent court decisions have supported these partnerships, even as civil rights groups have filed lawsuits to try to block them.

Who Is Affected by These Changes?

The new policies have a wide impact, especially on noncitizen defendants in the D.C. court system. People who are not U.S. citizens—including legal residents, visa holders, and undocumented immigrants—face a much greater risk of being identified by ICE and placed in removal proceedings. Even minor offenses or civil matters can now trigger ICE involvement.

There have also been cases where U.S. citizens and children have been wrongly detained or targeted due to errors in data or mistaken identity. This has led to calls for stronger safeguards and better oversight to prevent wrongful detentions.

Privacy and Data Security Concerns

The sharing of IRS and other federal data with ICE has sparked major privacy concerns. Many advocacy groups warn that this level of data sharing could lead to misuse, mistakes, and a chilling effect on immigrant communities. People may become afraid to interact with government agencies, seek help, or even file taxes, fearing their information could be used against them.

Civil rights organizations have filed lawsuits to stop these agreements, arguing that they violate privacy and due process rights. However, as of July 31, 2025, the courts have allowed the agreements to continue.

Practical Effects for Defendants and Their Families

For people facing charges in D.C. courts, the risks are now much higher. Any information provided to the court or to government agencies—including addresses, names, and other personal details—can be accessed by ICE and used for immigration enforcement. This means that even a simple court appearance for a traffic ticket or minor offense could lead to detention or deportation.

Attorneys and advocacy groups urge defendants to be aware of their rights. While everyone in immigration court has the right to legal representation, the government is not required to provide an attorney except in rare cases. People are encouraged to seek out “Know Your Rights” resources and consult with immigration lawyers or local advocacy organizations.

Institutions and individuals should also know that ICE cannot enter nonpublic areas or demand information without a judicial warrant. ICE administrative warrants do not grant automatic access to private spaces or records.

Key Stakeholders and Their Views

• Trump Administration: The administration has made it clear that increasing deportations and expanding data sharing are top priorities. Officials argue that these measures are needed for national security and public safety.
• IRS: The IRS is now formally cooperating with ICE, despite a long history of not sharing taxpayer data with immigration authorities. This marks a major shift in federal policy.
• Local Law Enforcement: Police departments in the D.C. area have been pressured or offered incentives to join 287(g) agreements, increasing their role in immigration enforcement.
• Civil Rights Groups: Many nonprofit organizations are fighting these changes in court, warning of privacy violations, wrongful detentions, and harm to immigrant communities.
• Congress: Some lawmakers, such as Rep. Pramila Jayapal, have introduced bills to limit ICE’s authority and protect U.S. citizens from wrongful targeting, but no major changes have passed yet.

Statistics and Funding

The numbers show just how much immigration enforcement has grown:

• ICE requested home addresses from the IRS for 700,000 people in early 2025, with plans to expand to 7 million.
• In the first three months of fiscal year 2025, about 13,000 deportations were started from U.S. immigration courts, a sharp increase from previous years.
• The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” gave $170.1 billion to immigration enforcement, making ICE the highest-funded federal law enforcement agency ever.

Procedures: How ICE Gets Information

Here’s how the process works:

• ICE submits a written request to the IRS or other agencies, citing a criminal investigation under Section 6103(i)(2).
• The agency must provide the requested information if the legal requirements are met, even if the real goal is civil immigration enforcement.
• Local police share arrest and booking data with ICE through Secure Communities and 287(g) agreements.

Rights of Defendants

• Defendants have the right to legal representation in immigration court, but the government does not provide a lawyer except in rare cases.
• People and institutions should not give information to ICE without a judicial warrant.
• “Know Your Rights” resources are strongly recommended for anyone who might be affected.

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

Supporters of these changes say that expanded data sharing and enforcement are needed to keep the country safe and that the law allows these practices. They argue that working together across agencies helps catch dangerous criminals and protect the public.

Critics, however, warn that these policies lead to due process violations, wrongful detentions, and privacy breaches. They point out that many people targeted by ICE are low-risk or even U.S. citizens who get caught up because of errors. Legal experts also note that recent Supreme Court decisions have made it easier to challenge executive agency actions, which could lead to more lawsuits in the future.

Future Outlook and Pending Changes

Looking ahead, the Trump administration plans to keep expanding data sharing and enforcement. More funding and cooperation between agencies are expected in late 2025 and beyond. Congress is considering new laws to limit ICE’s authority and protect citizens, but so far, no major changes have been made.

Lawsuits challenging these agreements are ongoing. While courts have so far allowed the data sharing to continue, future rulings could change the scope or details of these practices.

Practical Guidance for Affected Individuals

If you or someone you know is facing charges in Washington, D.C., or is otherwise at risk of ICE enforcement, here are some steps to consider:

• Seek Legal Help: Contact an immigration attorney or a local advocacy group for advice. The government does not provide free lawyers in most immigration cases, so it’s important to find help early.
• Know Your Rights: Learn about your rights when dealing with ICE or law enforcement. Many organizations offer free “Know Your Rights” materials in multiple languages.
• Be Careful with Information: Remember that any information given to the court or government agencies can be shared with ICE. Only provide what is legally required, and ask for legal advice if unsure.
• Do Not Open Doors Without a Warrant: ICE cannot enter your home or private areas without a judicial warrant. Ask to see any warrant and check that it is signed by a judge.
• Stay Informed: Policies and procedures can change quickly. Check official sources like ice.gov and irs.gov for updates.

Summary Table: ICE Access to Defendant Immigration Status in D.C. Courts (2025)

Conclusion and Next Steps

The expansion of ICE’s access to court and tax data in Washington, D.C. marks a major change in how immigration enforcement works in the United States 🇺🇸. While supporters say these steps are needed for safety, many worry about privacy, wrongful detentions, and the impact on families and communities.

Anyone at risk should take steps to protect themselves, seek legal advice, and stay informed about their rights. For more information and official resources, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website. Staying aware and prepared is the best way to respond to these fast-changing policies.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Section 6103(i)(2) → A tax code provision allowing the IRS to share taxpayer info with ICE for criminal investigations.
Section 287(g) → A law permitting local police to act as ICE agents under federal immigration enforcement agreements.
Secure Communities Program → A program sending local jail fingerprint and arrest data automatically to ICE for immigration checks.
Removal Proceedings → The legal process where noncitizens may face deportation after immigration enforcement actions.

This Article in a Nutshell

New ICE powers in D.C. courts enable access to taxpayer and arrest data, increasing deportation risks for noncitizens and raising privacy concerns nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com