Public support for the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has sharply declined following a fatal incident in Minnesota, according to new polling data. The shift in sentiment comes in the wake of a federal officer shooting a 37-year-old mother in Minneapolis, an event the officer claimed was in 'self-defence'.
Poll Reveals Sharp Decline in ICE Approval Ratings
A YouGov poll conducted immediately after the shooting, surveying over 2,600 American adults, found a majority now disapprove of the agency's operations. This downturn coincides with the intensification of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown during his second term.
The data is stark: 52 per cent of respondents stated they somewhat or strongly disapproved of ICE's performance. Only 39 per cent expressed approval. When asked about the agency's tactics, a mere 27 per cent felt they were "about right," while a majority of 51 per cent described them as "too forceful." A further 10 per cent believed the tactics were not forceful enough.
Growing Sympathy for Protesters and Calls to Abolish ICE
The poll indicates a notable shift in public sympathy towards demonstrators. Approximately 44 per cent of adults said they approved of recent protests against ICE, compared to 42 per cent who disapproved. This marks a significant reversal from attitudes recorded in February 2025, at the start of Trump's second term, when ICE held a net approval rating of plus 16.
Over the past year, that figure has plummeted by 30 points to minus 14. This decline aligns with the implementation of tougher enforcement measures, including plans linked to top White House aide Stephen Miller to arrest up to 3,000 people per day.
Support for the radical step of abolishing ICE has also surged. Data from research firm Civiqs shows a dramatic climb: in September 2024, only 19 per cent supported abolishing the agency, with 66 per cent opposed. As of this month, support has jumped to 42 per cent, while opposition has fallen to 49.5 per cent. Among Democrats, abolishing ICE is now a majority view, backed by 69 per cent.
Broader Backdrop of Discontent with Immigration Agenda
The backlash against ICE occurs within a broader context of declining approval for President Trump's immigration agenda. Multiple polls over the past year show his ratings on immigration hitting new lows, despite a reported sharp drop in illegal border crossings.
A Reuters Ipsos poll found that 54 per cent of Americans disagreed that workplace immigration arrests are good for the country. Similarly, an NPR PBS News Marist poll showed 54 per cent of adults believed ICE had gone too far in enforcing immigration laws.
Furthermore, the poll revealed a pervasive sense of conflict, with nearly six in ten Americans (58 per cent) stating they believe a war or conflict is taking place in US cities. This feeling was strongest among older Americans, with 74 per cent of those aged 65 and above saying they see a conflict unfolding.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, continues to rank among the least popular federal agencies according to Pew Research Center. While Republican favour towards DHS has grown, Democratic support has dropped sharply, highlighting the deep political divide on immigration enforcement.
