A new national survey has revealed that a majority of American citizens now believe the presence of federal immigration agents in US cities is having a detrimental effect on public safety.
Sharp Public Divide on ICE's Role
The poll, conducted by SSRS for CNN, found that 51 percent of respondents view the surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers into Democrat-led cities like Minneapolis, Portland, Chicago, and Los Angeles as negative. This operation forms part of President Donald Trump's crackdown on undocumented migrants. In contrast, 31 percent believed the agents were making a positive difference, while 18 percent perceived no change either way.
The research was carried out in the wake of a high-profile incident in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. On that day, Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during an argument. Graphic footage of the shooting circulated widely on social media, triggering national outrage and sustained protests.
Reaction to Fatal Shooting and Ongoing Unrest
When questioned specifically about Good's death, 51 percent of those polled said the agent's use of force was inappropriate and pointed to broader systemic issues within ICE. A further six percent deemed it inappropriate but an isolated event. Only 26 percent felt Ross had acted appropriately.
Demonstrations in Minneapolis continued, and on the Wednesday following the poll, another man was shot and wounded in the leg by a federal immigration agent. Mayor Jacob Frey described the situation as "unsustainable," stating the city was being put in an "impossible" position while trying to maintain order and protect residents.
The Department of Homeland Security defended its actions, stating in response to the latest shooting that an officer, "fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed," fired a "defensive shot." The DHS also reported making over 2,000 arrests in the state since early December and vowed not to back down.
Broader Distrust and Policy Concerns
The poll exposed a pronounced partisan split, with most Democratic-leaning respondents opposing ICE's actions and a majority of Republicans supporting them. Beyond immigration enforcement, the survey indicated growing public concern with federal authority.
47 percent of Americans said they were more worried about the federal response to protests than about the demonstrations themselves turning violent. Furthermore, only 37 percent expressed great or moderate trust in the federal government under President Trump, and just 38 percent approved of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's job performance.
On policy, 52 percent now believe the president's deportation drive has "gone too far," a significant increase from 45 percent in February 2025. This shift follows a year of controversial incidents, including clashes with activists and the since-reversed deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a mega-prison in El Salvador.
