• Americans now view ICE less favorably than FBI by 13-point margin
• Nearly half of voters support abolishing federal immigration agency entirely
• Polling shift follows fatal Minneapolis shooting that sparked nationwide protests

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (TDR) — Immigration and Customs Enforcement faces a dramatic collapse in public support following the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis, with new polling data revealing sentiment shifts that could complicate Republican messaging heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

A YouGov survey conducted January 9-11 found that 52% of Americans now hold an unfavorable view of ICE, compared to just 40% who view the agency favorably. The numbers represent a striking departure from other federal agencies, with ICE registering 13 percentage points more unfavorable views than the FBI.

Public Safety Concerns Overtake Enforcement Support

The polling reveals a fundamental shift in how Americans perceive ICE’s role in national security. Nearly half of respondents—47%—now believe ICE operations are making Americans less safe, while only 34% say the agency improves public safety.

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Even more striking, 46% of Americans now support abolishing ICE entirely and replacing it with a different agency, compared to 43% who oppose such action. The margin represents a dramatic reversal from September 2024, when only 19% supported abolition according to Civiqs polling.

“The flip is a remarkable turnaround from September 2024, when only 19 percent of Americans supported abolishing ICE.”

The shift reflects growing concerns about ICE tactics. A majority—60%—of Americans believe the agency sometimes or often uses unnecessary force against U.S. citizens who have not committed immigration violations.

Minneapolis Shooting Accelerates Sentiment Shift

The polling comes amid escalating tensions in Minneapolis, where ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good on January 7. The incident sparked nationwide protests and prompted President Donald Trump to threaten invoking the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials don’t “stop the professional agitators.”

“If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT.”

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By a 20-point margin, more Americans view the shooting as unjustified than justified—53% to 28%. Additionally, 53% believe Ross should face criminal charges, compared to just 30% who oppose charges.

Partisan Divide Creates Political Minefield

The polling reveals deep partisan splits that complicate political messaging for both parties. While ICE maintains strong support among Republicans—with a net favorability of +57—Democrats view the agency with overwhelming negativity, registering a net favorability of -68.

Democratic senators Chris Murphy and Tammy Baldwin have signaled they will make ICE funding a central issue in upcoming budget negotiations, though party leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries have declined to support outright abolition.

“I’m just not interested in funding an agency that is operating outside of the law and is making our communities less safe,” Murphy told reporters.

The intensity of opposition among Democrats—90% say Ross should face charges—contrasts sharply with Republican sentiment, where 63% believe the agent should not be charged.

Operational Restrictions Gain Majority Support

Beyond abolition, Americans support significant restrictions on ICE operations. A majority—55%—oppose allowing agents to wear face coverings that hide their identities during arrests, while 69% support requiring ICE agents to wear uniforms when making arrests.

Most notably, 48% of Americans believe ICE agents should be required to leave an area if a state governor orders them to do so, with an additional 11% saying agents should voluntarily comply. Only 27% say ICE should disregard gubernatorial directives.

The polling also shows 64% oppose allowing ICE on K-12 school campuses, following Minneapolis Public Schools closing facilities after agents were seen near a high school.

Midterm Implications Remain Uncertain

The political ramifications of ICE’s declining popularity remain unclear as both parties navigate competing pressures. Republicans face the challenge of defending aggressive enforcement policies amid growing public skepticism, while Democrats must balance progressive calls for abolition against concerns about appearing soft on border security.

GOP senators have privately urged Trump to reconsider invoking the Insurrection Act in Minneapolis, warning that military deployment could further inflame tensions and damage Republican prospects in competitive suburban districts.

The Trump administration, meanwhile, has doubled down on its enforcement approach. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended Ross, stating the agent “followed his training” and faced an “act of domestic terrorism.”

“It’s very clear that this individual was harassing and impeding law enforcement operations. Our officer followed his training, did exactly what he’s been taught to do in that situation.”

With 49% of Americans approving of recent anti-ICE protests compared to 42% who disapprove, the issue shows signs of sustained public engagement that could extend beyond the immediate crisis.

How will shifting public opinion on immigration enforcement reshape the political landscape heading into 2026?

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