A United States federal judge has ruled in favor of President Donald Trump's administration, allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to continue using Internal Revenue Service (IRS) data to assist in identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants. The decision marks a significant legal victory for the administration's immigration enforcement efforts.

US District Judge Dabney Friedrich dismissed efforts by immigrant rights groups to block the data-sharing agreement between the IRS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The plaintiffs argued that the agreement infringed upon federal tax confidentiality laws and posed risks to taxpayer privacy.

However, Judge Friedrich ruled that the agreement does not violate federal tax confidentiality statutes, provided the shared data is used strictly for criminal investigations. The court emphasized that the collaboration between IRS and ICE is legally permissible under existing regulations when applied to immigration-related crimes.

This ruling reinforces President Trump’s broader immigration policy agenda, which prioritizes enhanced data-sharing among federal agencies to facilitate enforcement actions against undocumented immigrants. By leveraging IRS data, the administration aims to improve its ability to locate and deport individuals residing in the US without legal authorization.

Immigrant rights groups expressed disappointment with the decision, warning that it could set a precedent for expanded government access to sensitive taxpayer information. Despite these concerns, the court's ruling clears the path for continued inter-agency cooperation under the Trump administration's directive.

The outcome of this case highlights the ongoing legal and political battles surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States, as well as the administration's commitment to utilizing all available resources to uphold its policies.