Americans Oppose ICE Tactics by 2-to-1 Margin: Poll

Trump's immigration approval hits new low in second term as public backlash grows over deportation tactics

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll finds that Americans oppose the tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce immigration laws by a 2-to-1 margin, with 62% opposing the tactics compared to 31% who support them. The poll also shows President Trump's approval rating on immigration has hit a new low in his second term, with 58% disapproving and only 40% approving of his handling of the issue.

Why it matters

The poll results come after two high-profile incidents in Minnesota where federal agents fatally shot U.S. citizens during immigration enforcement operations, sparking widespread public backlash. The findings suggest growing opposition to the administration's aggressive immigration crackdown tactics, which could have political implications as the 2024 presidential election approaches.

The details

The poll found that a slim majority of Americans, 53%, now oppose ICE's expanded operations to detain and deport undocumented immigrants, up from 46% in October. Opinion breaks down along partisan lines, with 88% of Democrats opposed to ICE's expanded operations and 81% of Republicans in support. A 56% majority of independents also oppose ICE's expanded operations. By a 2-to-1 margin, Americans oppose the specific tactics ICE is using to enforce immigration laws, with 62% opposed and 31% in support.

  • On January 24, 2026, federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, in Minneapolis.
  • On January 7, 2026, federal agents fatally shot Renee Good, a mother of three, in Minneapolis.

The players

Kristi Noem

The current U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, who is facing calls from the public to be replaced amid the controversy over ICE's immigration enforcement tactics.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, whose approval rating on immigration has hit a new low in his second term according to the poll.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This poll highlights the growing public backlash against the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, which have resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens and raised concerns about civil liberties and the treatment of undocumented immigrants. The findings could have significant political implications as the 2024 presidential election approaches.