Most Americans Want ICE to Leave Minneapolis, Poll Finds

Quinnipiac survey also shows low confidence in DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's leadership after fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:31pm

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A new Quinnipiac University national poll finds that a majority of American voters want U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to withdraw from Minneapolis, and do not believe the federal government has given an honest account of the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti by federal agents.

Why it matters

The poll results reflect growing public skepticism towards ICE's tactics and the federal government's transparency around high-profile incidents involving the agency, especially in the wake of Pretti's death which has drawn intense national scrutiny.

The details

The Quinnipiac poll found that 60% of respondents say ICE should leave Minneapolis, while 61% say the Trump administration has not given an honest account of Pretti's shooting. 80% of voters nationwide support an independent investigation into the incident. The survey also showed declining approval of ICE's enforcement of immigration laws and majority support for removing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem from her position.

  • The Quinnipiac poll was conducted on February 5, 2026.
  • Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.

The players

Quinnipiac University

A private university in Connecticut that conducts national public opinion polls.

Alex Pretti

A Minneapolis resident who was fatally shot by federal agents on January 24, 2026.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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What’s next

The Quinnipiac poll results are likely to increase pressure on the federal government to provide more transparency around the Pretti shooting and ICE's presence in Minneapolis. An independent investigation into the incident could also be launched in the near future.

The takeaway

This poll underscores the growing public distrust in the federal government's handling of high-profile incidents involving immigration enforcement, and the demand for greater accountability and oversight of agencies like ICE, especially in the wake of controversial shootings that raise concerns about their tactics and transparency.