Fox News Poll Reveals Widespread Disapproval of ICE and Trump's Immigration Policies
A new Fox News poll has uncovered significant public discontent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with nearly six in ten Americans expressing disapproval of the agency's performance. The survey, conducted between February 28 and March 2, 2026, indicates that this disapproval has reached a record high since Fox began tracking the issue in 2018.
Record Low Approval and Funding Concerns
The poll found that only 42 percent of respondents approve of ICE's activities, marking a notable decline in public support. Furthermore, nearly half of voters, specifically 46 percent, believe that funding for the agency should be reduced. Just 20 percent advocate for increased funding, while 18 percent prefer maintaining current levels, and 16 percent support new restrictions without altering the budget.
This sentiment emerges despite the Trump administration's "One Big Beautiful Bill," which allocated a record $165 billion to the Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency of ICE. The timing of the survey is particularly significant, as it was completed just days before President Trump fired DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who was reassigned to a new role.
Partisan Divides and Demographic Shifts
Views on ICE are sharply divided along partisan lines, according to the poll. Approval ratings are highest among MAGA identifiers, with 94 percent expressing satisfaction with ICE's performance. Very conservative voters show 87 percent approval, while other Republicans report an 83 percent approval rate.
In contrast, disapproval has surged among Democratic voters, increasing by 8 points since September 2025. Younger demographics show an even more pronounced shift, with under-30s recording a 17-point rise in disapproval. Male respondents also reported an 11-point increase in negative ratings related to ICE.
Impact of Minneapolis Incidents and Media Coverage
Republican pollster Daron Shaw attributed the decline in approval to specific events and media portrayal. "This isn't a complicated story," Shaw told Fox News. "ICE's tactics in Minneapolis, along with negative news coverage, have caused a sharp drop in approval, especially among independents and members of the out-party."
The killings of Renée Good by ICE agents and Alex Pretti by CBP officers in Minneapolis sparked widespread protests against immigration enforcement activities, contributing to the agency's tarnished image. These incidents have fueled public debate and heightened scrutiny of ICE's operations.
Broader Implications for Trump's Immigration Agenda
The poll also sheds light on broader perceptions of President Trump's immigration policies. Nearly half of those surveyed, 49 percent, believe that these policies are harming the economy, compared to only 33 percent who think they are beneficial. Opinions are split on whether Trump has made the country safer through his immigration crackdown, with 42 percent saying yes and 37 percent saying no.
General polling of Trump's performance reveals a 57 percent disapproval rating, with only 43 percent approving of his job as commander in chief. Border security is the sole issue where his approval exceeds disapproval, at 52 percent versus 48 percent. On other key issues like immigration, the economy, healthcare, taxes, tariffs, and the cost of living, his disapproval scores consistently outpace positive ratings.
Political Context and Future Outlook
Fox News, typically supportive of the Trump administration, conducted this survey amid a period of significant political upheaval. The firing of Kristi Noem, dubbed "ICE Barbie," adds another layer to the narrative, though Trump praised her for achieving "spectacular results."
Despite the negative poll numbers, Trump has continued to boast about his performance, claiming on Truth Social in February that he received "the highest Poll Numbers I have ever received" and attributing this to public desire for a strong country and robust economy.
As the 2026 political landscape evolves, these findings highlight the challenges facing immigration enforcement agencies and the administration's broader policy agenda. The sharp partisan divides and growing disapproval among key demographics suggest that immigration will remain a contentious issue in the coming years.
