A new YouGov poll has found that half of Americans support the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), marking a significant shift in public opinion as opposition to Donald Trump's immigration policies grows. The survey shows 50% of respondents strongly or somewhat favour dismantling the agency, a 5% increase since January, while only 39% oppose abolition—a drop from the previous 45%.
The poll is the first to record majority support for scrapping ICE, a demand often made by leftwing Democrats. It follows an NBC poll last month showing 49% disapproval of Trump's handling of border security and immigration. The findings come amid a partial government shutdown over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the administration's detention and deportation policies.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced criticism during a congressional appearance on Tuesday, particularly over her refusal to retract claims that two unarmed protesters killed by federal agents were 'domestic terrorists'. Renee Good was shot by an ICE agent on 7 January, and Alex Pretti by Customs and Border Protection officers 17 days later, during protests in Minneapolis. Noem offered condolences but stood by her statement, citing reports from agents at the scene.
President Trump is reportedly scrutinising Noem's performance as he softens his immigration stance ahead of November's midterm elections. Meanwhile, border czar Tom Hannon announced last month that controversial immigration operations in Minnesota would conclude, but nearly 650 federal agents remain in the state, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
The YouGov poll breakdown shows 77% of Democrats and 52% of independents support abolishing ICE, while 68% of Republicans oppose it. However, Republican support for abolition has risen to 23%, a new high.
