Catherwood LibraryILR School

The Weld County, Colorado Police department has been investigating tax returns held by tax preparer Amalia Cerillo in search of evidence of illegal immigration. So far, 35 have been arrested on charges of identity theft (using a false or stolen social security number), though Ms. Cerillo has not been accused of wrongdoing. Last week, District Judge James Hartmann questioned the legality of the police actions. Although the police had obtained a warrant, Hartmann points out that federal tax returns are subject to confidentiality rules. The police contend that they had a valid warrant, and that although the IRS may not release tax returns before a certain date, this does not foreclose the possibility of getting them in other ways. Latino activists claim discrimination, saying they are being targeted for trying to do the right thing and pay their taxes.