Full Breakdown
Growing Opposition to ICE Amid Trump's Immigration Policies
3/7/2026, 12:59:02 AM
Rising Disapproval Ratings for ICE
Recent polling indicates a significant decline in public support for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, with nearly 60% of voters expressing disapproval of its performance. This marks the highest disapproval rating recorded since polling began in 2018. The survey, conducted by Fox News from February 28 to March 2, 2026, reveals that 46% of respondents favor reducing ICE's funding, while only 20% support increasing it. The disapproval is particularly pronounced among younger voters, independents, and Democrats, with notable increases in disapproval ratings since September 2025.
Context of Increased Scrutiny
The growing opposition to ICE is closely linked to recent incidents involving the agency, particularly the fatal shootings of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Minneapolis. These events have sparked widespread protests and intensified scrutiny of ICE's tactics, leading to a surge in calls for the agency's abolition. A YouGov poll indicates that 50% of Americans now support dismantling ICE, a notable increase from earlier this year.
Political Implications
The discontent surrounding ICE and Trump's immigration policies is reflected in broader public sentiment toward the administration. In a separate poll from the University of North Florida, 49% of Florida voters disapproved of Trump's immigration policies, with ICE receiving particularly low ratings—55% of respondents rated the agency poorly. This trend is echoed in Pennsylvania, where a Franklin & Marshall College poll found that 61% of voters rated Trump poorly overall, with significant opposition to his immigration enforcement tactics.
Official Responses and Criticism
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who was recently reassigned by Trump, faced intense criticism during her congressional testimony regarding her handling of immigration issues. She described the protesters involved in the shootings as "domestic terrorists," a claim that has been widely disputed. Critics, including Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, have called for accountability and a reevaluation of ICE's operational methods.
Conflicting Reports and Public Sentiment
While a majority of Democrats and independents support abolishing ICE, a significant portion of Republicans remains opposed, although support for abolition among Republicans has risen to 23%. The divide in public opinion underscores the partisan nature of immigration policy in the U.S., with many Republicans still backing Trump's hardline approach.
What's Next
The ongoing debate over ICE funding has contributed to a partial government shutdown, with lawmakers struggling to reach an agreement. As the midterm elections approach, the future of ICE and immigration policy remains a contentious issue, with potential implications for both parties. The outcome of these discussions could shape the political landscape as voters express their dissatisfaction with current immigration enforcement practices.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ICE’s tactics in Minneapolis, along with negative news coverage, have caused a sharp drop in approval, especially among independents and members of the out-party.” — Daron Shaw, Republican Pollster
- “When we have these situations happen, we always offer our condolences to those families, and I offer mine as well,” — Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary
The evolving public sentiment towards ICE and immigration policies under Trump highlights a critical juncture in U.S. politics, with significant implications for future governance and electoral outcomes.
