Poll: Over Half of Americans Say Trump Immigration Agenda 'Too Aggressive'

Majority of Americans critical of Trump's deportation policies, ICE presence in cities

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:37pm

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A photorealistic painting of a solitary ICE vehicle parked on a shadowy urban street, with warm sunlight casting dramatic diagonal shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet unease and tension.The controversial presence of ICE officers in cities across the country has fueled growing public concerns over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration agenda.Chicago Today

A new Politico poll found that 51% of Americans believe President Trump's immigration agenda is 'too aggressive,' a 2-point increase from January. The survey also showed growing opposition to Trump's deployment of ICE officers in Democratic-run cities, with 51% saying the presence of ICE makes cities more dangerous.

Why it matters

The poll results reflect ongoing public concerns over the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies, including increased deportations and the controversial use of ICE to target undocumented immigrants in major cities. This could impact the political landscape as Trump seeks reelection and Democrats push for reforms to immigration enforcement.

The details

The Politico poll found that 51% of Americans view Trump's immigration agenda as 'too aggressive,' up from 49% in January. Only 26% said it is 'about right,' down from 30% previously. 11% said it is 'not aggressive enough.' Among Trump voters, 25% now say the agenda is 'too aggressive,' up from 21% in January. Support for Trump's deportation policies remains low, with 58% in a separate February poll saying they went too far. The poll also showed that 51% of respondents believe the presence of ICE officers makes cities more dangerous, reflecting growing public backlash against the agency's tactics.

  • The Politico poll was conducted April 11-14, 2026.
  • A previous poll in January 2026 asked the same question about Trump's immigration agenda.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States whose hardline immigration policies have faced increasing public opposition.

Kamala Harris

The former Vice President under the Obama administration who ran against Trump in the 2024 election.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that has been at the center of controversy over its aggressive tactics in targeting undocumented immigrants, including deploying officers in Democratic-run cities.

Kristi Noem

The former Secretary of Homeland Security who accused two U.S. citizens killed by ICE officers of 'domestic terrorism.'

Renee Good and Alex Pretti

Two U.S. citizens killed by federal immigration enforcement officers during ICE operations in Minneapolis, sparking outrage.

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What they’re saying

“Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Good and Pretti of 'domestic terrorism.' This further angered anti-ICE protesters and led Americans to take to the streets in cities nationwide and call for the mass deportations to end.”

— Kristi Noem, Former Homeland Security Secretary

What’s next

Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill called for widespread reforms to ICE's parent department, the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats blocked measures to fund the department, causing a partial government shutdown. Lawmakers have still not reached an agreement to fund the department, nor have they reached a compromise on how to address ICE going forward.

The takeaway

The poll results highlight the growing public backlash against the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies, including increased deportations and the controversial use of ICE in Democratic-run cities. This could have significant political implications as Trump seeks reelection and Democrats push for reforms to immigration enforcement.