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Recent reports indicate that the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is on the brink of finalizing a controversial agreement that would permit immigration officials to access tax data, potentially bolstering Donald Trump’s deportation initiatives.
This proposed data-sharing arrangement, which has been under discussion for several weeks, would allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide the IRS with the names and addresses of undocumented immigrants. This development has sparked serious concerns regarding the potential misuse of power by the Trump administration and the infringement on individuals’ privacy rights.
Should an agreement be reached, it would represent a groundbreaking change, marking possibly the first instance where immigration enforcement relies extensively on tax records for operational support.
The IRS would compare the names of undocumented individuals against its confidential taxpayer databases, a strategy that fundamentally undermines longstanding trust surrounding the confidentiality of tax information. Historically, such sensitive data has been strictly protected, prompting heightened alarm within the IRS, as indicated by a report from the Washington Post.
Here are some major political stories from the recent past:
IRS Nears Agreement With ICE to Share Undocumented Immigrants’ Data
This potential transformation in the utilization of taxpayer data—from infrequently aiding in criminal investigations to potentially being critical in enforcing criminal penalties—aligns with the intensifying stance on immigration policy pursued by Trump’s administration.
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Rising Tensions in Greenland Over Recent Visits by Usha Vance and Mike Waltz
As the Trump administration continues to pursue a controversial ambition regarding the annexation of Greenland, Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, is set to visit the territory this week along with a US delegation.
Her Thursday visit will encompass a tour of historical sites while delving into Greenland’s rich heritage and participating in its national dogsled race, according to a statement from the White House.
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Chuck Schumer Stands Firm Amid Calls for Resignation Over Funding Bill
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer firmly rejected calls to resign from his leadership post after backing a Republican-led funding bill intended to avert a government shutdown, asserting, “I’m not stepping down.”
Schumer has encountered significant backlash from within the Democratic Party concerning his support for the bill, with many party members accusing him of failing to effectively combat Trump’s policies.
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Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez: A Fight for the Working-Class Agenda
While Bernie Sanders is not currently campaigning for the presidency, he is drawing larger crowds than during his previous runs. His message, focused on the plight of working people under the influence of billionaire interests, continues to resonate strongly.
Sanders notes that the stakes have dramatically increased as the realities of government capture by wealthy elites unfold, igniting outrage among the public.
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Challenge to the Rule of Law: Trump’s Noncompliance with Court Rulings
Experts have identified Donald Trump’s administration as displaying an “unprecedented level of defiance” against unfavorable court decisions, posing a substantial challenge to the American judiciary. This trend raises alarms about the fundamental principles of governance and democracy.
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Concerns of Authoritarianism in Trump’s Governance
Last week’s actions undermining the Justice Department’s independence by Trump were viewed as anticipated yet alarming. While quickly overshadowed by other news, this moment may be historically recognized as a pivotal point leading the United States toward uncharted authoritarian tendencies.
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Additional News Highlights
In North Carolina, three significant wildfires have grown rapidly, engulfing over 3,000 acres in a county still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Meanwhile, the governor of South Carolina has declared an emergency in response to a spreading wildfire in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In Missouri, a bald eagle famous for trying to incubate a rock during storms has passed away. Named Murphy, the bird captured public attention and later cared for two eaglets.
In Pennsylvania, defense attorney Luigi Mangione claims that flaws during his client’s arrest in the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shooting render the evidence against him invalid, arguing that police violated constitutional rights.
Source
www.theguardian.com