The request comes as Trump boasts about curtailing the IRS, whose agents focus on tax violations and other financial crimes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — For years, Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have railed against the IRS and its cadre of armed agents. Now the administration has big plans for them: It wants the agents to assist with immigration enforcement.

The Department of Homeland Security is seeking the assistance of the IRS to help expel illegal immigrants from the country. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is asking the Treasury Department to deputize its IRS agents to help augment the Trump administration's efforts to carry out more deportations.