Full Breakdown
Kristi Noem Faces Rising Unfavorability Amid Immigration Enforcement Scrutiny
2/3/2026, 11:40:04 PM
Declining Approval Ratings
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's approval ratings have significantly declined, as indicated by a recent Harvard CAPS/Harris poll conducted from January 28-29, 2025. The survey revealed that Noem's favorable rating dropped to 24 percent, while her unfavorable rating surged to 37 percent, resulting in a net approval gap of -13 points. This marks a notable increase in disapproval, contrasting sharply with the relatively stable ratings of other political figures during the same period. For instance, President Donald Trump and other prominent Republicans experienced only minor fluctuations in their unfavorable ratings.
Context of Public Sentiment
The decline in Noem's ratings is not occurring in isolation but is reflective of broader public sentiment towards immigration enforcement agencies. The same poll indicated that only 44 percent of respondents approved of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has faced increasing scrutiny following high-profile incidents involving the agency. Notably, the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer and Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent in January 2025 have intensified public concern over the use of force and civil liberties violations. These events have led to protests and heightened pressure on Noem to address the issues surrounding immigration enforcement.
Official Responses and Statements
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated that Secretary Noem does not rely on polls to guide her enforcement decisions, asserting that "the American people, the law, and common sense are on our side." The spokesperson emphasized that a significant majority of illegal aliens arrested by ICE have been charged with or convicted of crimes in the U.S. Furthermore, Noem characterized the violence against government entities as "domestic terrorism," framing her stance within the context of law and order.
Criticism and Political Fallout
Polling analyst Harry Enten noted that the political fallout from the incidents in Minneapolis has been substantial, with ICE's net approval rating plummeting from -17 to -27 following the shootings. Enten highlighted that Noem's net approval has consistently remained negative across various surveys, indicating a persistent decline in public support. Critics argue that the actions taken by ICE and Border Patrol have been widely rejected by the American public, suggesting a disconnect between enforcement policies and public sentiment.
Future Implications
As Noem prepares for the next measurement period, her approval ratings present a challenging landscape. The widening gap between her approval and disapproval ratings suggests that she may face increased scrutiny and pressure to address the concerns surrounding immigration enforcement. While President Trump expressed confidence in Noem's performance, stating, "I think she’s done a very good job," the ongoing public discontent may complicate her position moving forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Secretary Noem doesn't check with polls to decide whether or not she is going to enforce the law.” — DHS Spokesperson
- “Violence against a government because of ideological reasons and for reasons to resist and to perpetuate violence. That is the definition of domestic terrorism.” — Kristi Noem
- “I think she’s done a very good job. I think she’s doing a very good job. The border is totally secure.” — Donald Trump
