The federal government has asked a federal appeals court to lift an order blocking it from using confidential taxpayer addresses for immigration enforcement, arguing the disclosure policy is authorized by law and that the challengers lack standing to sue. (Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts v. Bessent, No. 26-1329, reply brief filed 8/17/2026)

In a reply brief to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the Department of Justice urged the court to vacate a February order that barred U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using taxpayer data obtained from the IRS under an April 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The government contends the arrangement is lawful and that the suit, brought by a coalition of community organizations, rests on speculative injuries and a flawed reading of the Tax Code.

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