DOGE Operatives Access Sensitive Labor Department Data

In a significant development, operatives from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have gained access to sensitive data systems within the Department of Labor (DOL). This access includes information on migrant farm workers and visa applicants, raising concerns about data privacy and the potential misuse of information. The operatives, identified as Miles Collins, Aram Moghaddassi, and Marko Elez, have been embedded within the DOL, with Collins having access to the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) system. This program supports migrant and seasonal farmworkers through funding and job training initiatives, distributing $90 million in grants last year. The NFJP system contains sensitive data such as Social Security numbers and service details of beneficiaries, which are typically tightly controlled.

Moghaddassi's access extends to the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) reporting system, which manages data on foreign workers and visa programs. This includes names, work addresses, and other personal information, crucial for wage protection and visa processing. The access level granted to Moghaddassi is linked to the DOL's Office of Inspector General, responsible for investigating fraud and abuse within the department's programs.

The involvement of DOGE operatives in the DOL has sparked concerns, especially given the Trump administration's stance on immigration. The operatives' access to the Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program, which supports formerly incarcerated individuals, could potentially be used to cross-reference immigration status, aligning with the administration's narrative on immigrants.

Elez and Moghaddassi have also been linked to other federal agencies, with Elez having access to sensitive Treasury systems and being involved in the controversial 'gold card' visa program. The presence of DOGE operatives across multiple agencies highlights a broader strategy to consolidate data for enforcement and deportation purposes.

This situation underscores the importance of data security and the potential implications of unauthorized access to sensitive information. As the administration continues its efforts to streamline data across agencies, the role of DOGE operatives in accessing and potentially misusing this data remains a critical issue.