Marquette Law School poll finds 60% disapprove of ICE's work

Survey conducted after Minneapolis shooting reveals partisan divide on immigration enforcement agency

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A new Marquette University Law School national survey has found that 60% of adults nationwide disapprove of the way U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is handling its job. The poll was conducted after the shooting in Minneapolis of Renee Good and before the shooting of Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026. The survey revealed a stark partisan divide, with 80% of Republicans approving of ICE's work compared to just 23% of independents and 5% of Democrats.

Why it matters

The Marquette Law School poll provides insight into the public's perception of ICE and its role in immigration enforcement, an issue that has become increasingly polarized along party lines. The findings suggest growing disapproval of ICE's tactics, especially among Democrats and independents, which could have implications for future policy debates and elections.

The details

According to the poll, 37% of respondents said the shooting of Renee Good was justified, while 62% said it was not justified. The survey also found that general support for deportations remains steady, with 56% favoring deporting those in the U.S. illegally. The poll also revealed a gradual decline in overall approval of President Trump, who currently stands at 42%.

  • The poll was conducted January 21-28, 2026.
  • The survey was conducted after the shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis.
  • Most interviews were completed before the shooting of Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026.

The players

Marquette University Law School

A law school located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that conducts regular national surveys on political and social issues.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.

Renee Good

A person who was shot in Minneapolis, an incident that occurred prior to the Marquette Law School poll.

Alex Pretti

A person who was shot in Minneapolis, an incident that occurred after most of the Marquette Law School poll interviews were completed.

President Trump

The current President of the United States, whose approval rating was measured in the Marquette Law School poll.

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The takeaway

The Marquette Law School poll highlights the growing divide in public opinion on the role and tactics of ICE, with a majority of Americans disapproving of the agency's work. This could signal a shift in the political landscape around immigration policy and enforcement, with potential implications for future elections and policy debates.