Poll Shows 52% of Americans Disapprove of ICE Amid Immigration Crackdown

According to a recent poll, a significant majority of Americans now express disapproval of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, coinciding with heightened scrutiny following a tragic incident in Minneapolis where a federal officer fatally shot a 37-year-old mother. The poll results indicate a growing sentiment against ICE"s tactics and operations, reflecting a broader trend of discontent regarding immigration enforcement in the United States.

Key Details

The poll revealed that 52% of respondents either somewhat or strongly disapproved of ICE"s handling of its responsibilities, while only 39% expressed approval. This marks a notable shift in public opinion, as just 27% of those surveyed believed that the agency"s tactics were "about right." In contrast, a substantial 51% characterized ICE"s approach as "too forceful," and 10% felt it was "not forceful enough."

This decline in approval for ICE is particularly striking when compared to its net approval rating from February 2025, when it stood at +16. This figure was recorded at the beginning of former President Donald Trump"s second term, during which the administration"s aggressive immigration policies were implemented. Over the course of the year, as these policies took effect, including a controversial plan spearheaded by senior advisor Stephen Miller to arrest an estimated 3,000 individuals per day, ICE"s approval rating plummeted to -14.

The recent shooting incident in Minneapolis, which occurred on the same day as the poll, has further fueled public outrage and calls for protests against ICE. The victim, a 37-year-old mother, has become a focal point for activists advocating for immigration reform and accountability within the agency.

Background

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency was established in 2003 as part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is responsible for enforcing immigration laws, investigating customs violations, and combating transnational crime. Over the years, ICE has faced criticism for its aggressive enforcement tactics, particularly during the Trump administration, which prioritized strict immigration policies.

Recent developments have shown a growing divide in public opinion regarding ICE"s role in immigration enforcement. A separate survey indicated that 58% of Americans believe there is a conflict in U.S. cities, with support for abolishing ICE rising to 42%. This reflects a significant shift in public sentiment and highlights the increasing calls for reform within the immigration system.

What"s Next

The decline in public support for ICE may have implications for future immigration policies and enforcement strategies. Lawmakers and advocacy groups are likely to leverage this shift in public opinion to push for reforms aimed at increasing accountability and transparency within the agency. Additionally, Michigan Representative Shri Thanedar has announced plans to introduce the "Abolish ICE Act," which could further escalate the debate surrounding the agency"s future and its role in U.S. immigration policy.

As the conversation around immigration continues to evolve, the recent poll results and the tragic incident in Minneapolis serve as critical reminders of the complexities and challenges facing the U.S. immigration system today.