How the IRS' crime-fighting force took on immigration and other issues in 2025

The crime-fighting arm of the IRS spent less time tracking down tax evaders this year, instead picking up some new responsibilities, such as helping with immigration enforcement and supporting National Guard deployments in two Democratic-led cities. IRS Criminal Investigations Chief Guy Ficco spoke with The Associated Press about how the agency is juggling its work on new Trump administration priorities with its core mission of tax enforcement. Ficco, who served as the head of the IRS Criminal Investigations unit during both the Biden and Trump presidencies, described his workforce as “resilient” after Department of Government Efficiency cuts to the unit earlier this year.