Americans Turn On Trump’s ICE?
A new national survey suggests that public opinion remains divided over how federal immigration laws are being enforced, even as border security and public safety remain top concerns for voters.
According to a recent poll conducted by Quinnipiac University, 57 percent of registered voters say they disapprove of the way Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is currently enforcing immigration laws. Meanwhile, 40 percent say they approve, while a small share reported being unsure.
The findings come as immigration enforcement continues to be a central issue during President Donald Trump’s second term, with the administration emphasizing stricter enforcement and expanded federal authority to address border security and illegal immigration.
Minneapolis Incident Draws National Attention
The poll was released shortly after a fatal law-enforcement incident in Minneapolis involving an ICE officer, which drew widespread media coverage and renewed public debate over federal immigration operations.
Following the incident, protests erupted in parts of Minnesota, with demonstrators gathering outside federal buildings and clashing with law-enforcement officers. Authorities reported that crowd-control measures were deployed after projectiles were thrown at officers, raising concerns about public safety and escalating tensions.
Legal Challenges From State and Local Leaders
At the same time, state and local officials in Minnesota have filed legal challenges against the Department of Homeland Security, seeking to limit the deployment of additional federal immigration agents within the state. The lawsuits reflect broader disagreements between federal authorities and local governments over how immigration laws should be enforced.
Despite the criticism aimed at ICE, the poll shows that more than one-third of respondents approve of the job performance of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, indicating continued support among many voters for firm immigration enforcement and federal leadership on border security.
Poll Methodology
The Quinnipiac survey was conducted January 8–12, sampling 1,133 self-identified registered voters nationwide. The poll carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percentage points, making it a reliable snapshot of voter sentiment during an ongoing national debate.
As immigration, public safety, and federal authority remain key issues heading into the 2026 midterms, the poll highlights the complex and often divided views Americans hold on enforcement — even among those who support stronger borders overall.
