A new poll reveals a significant decline in public confidence in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alongside growing support for reducing the agency’s funding. The Economist/YouGov poll, published Tuesday, indicates a majority of Americans are now critical of ICE’s performance and approach to immigration enforcement.
Confidence in ICE Collapses
According to the poll, 55 percent of Americans report having “no confidence” in ICE. Only 30 percent express “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence, while 16 percent have “some” confidence. This widespread lack of confidence is reflected in attitudes toward ICE funding, with 51 percent of Americans favoring a decrease.
The poll further demonstrates that support for defunding ICE is stronger than support for cuts to other government programs, including foreign aid, environmental spending, Medicaid/Medicare, and SNAP – all areas where the current administration has already implemented cuts.
Recent Events Fuel Public Concerns
The decline in confidence appears linked to recent events, particularly actions taken by ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Earlier in January, ICE agents shot and killed Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good as she attempted to drive away from agents. President Trump falsely claimed Good “ran over” an agent, but analyses of camera footage contradict this assertion.
Just days later, CBP agents shot and killed ICU nurse Alex Pretti while he was attempting to assist a woman who had been shoved to the ground by agents. Following both incidents, the administration referred to the victims as “domestic terrorist[s].”
Controversial Tactics in Minnesota
Over the past month, reports have emerged detailing aggressive tactics employed by federal immigration agents in the Twin Cities. These include forcibly removing individuals from vehicles, using children as “bait” to apprehend family members, and teargassing a family of six, including an infant, inside their car. These actions have coincided with a 22-point swing in President Trump’s approval rating on immigration, falling from +8 points to -14 points.
In response to the outcry, President Trump removed CBP commander at large Gregory Bovino from overseeing operations in the Twin Cities and reportedly sidelined some of his advisors on immigration policy. However, he has not presented a concrete plan to “de-escalate” the situation and has continued to criticize Democrats in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the poll say about confidence in ICE?
The poll shows that 55 percent of Americans have “no confidence” in ICE, while only 30 percent have “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence.
What percentage of Americans want to decrease funding for ICE?
According to the poll, 51 percent of Americans would like to see funding for ICE decreased.
What recent events appear to be influencing public opinion?
Recent events, including the shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by ICE and CBP agents, as well as reports of aggressive tactics used in the Twin Cities, appear to be contributing to the decline in public confidence.
As public scrutiny intensifies, it remains to be seen whether the administration will alter its approach to immigration enforcement or face continued pressure to significantly reform, or even defund, ICE.
