American Public Opinion on ICE and Immigration Policy

A recent survey reveals that a significant portion of Americans desire substantial changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The survey indicates that although many disapprove of ICE and believe its tactics are excessive, there is a divide in the nation over how significantly the agency should be reformed and how immigration policy should be handled overall.

According to the NBC News Decision Desk Poll, conducted in partnership with SurveyMonkey, nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults favor some changes to ICE, with 29% advocating for its complete abolition. These sentiments emerged amidst a decline in approval for former President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation policies, notably after two fatal incidents involving federal agents in Minneapolis.

Meanwhile, Congress is engaged in a debate over federal funding for ICE, with the possibility of a Department of Homeland Security shutdown looming. The tactics employed by ICE agents, clashes with protesters, and concerns over due process have raised issues among congressional Democrats.

A breakdown of the survey results shows a plurality of Americans, 43%, support reforming ICE, while an equal proportion of 29% either favor its abolition or wish it to remain unchanged. The survey, conducted between January 27 and February 6, following the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, includes a margin of error of plus or minus 2.4 percentage points.

Partisan lines further define attitudes toward the future of ICE, with most Republicans (71%) preferring no change, and Democrats and independents favoring either reform or abolition. Among independents, a majority believe in reforming rather than abolishing the agency, whereas Democrats are almost evenly split between these options.

The call to abolish ICE gained traction among Democrats around the 2018 midterm elections, triggered by Trump’s initial immigration policies, especially with progressive candidates and activists. Although enthusiasm waned during the Biden administration due to political shifts, the public’s renewed sentiments have reinvigorated demands for at least an overhaul of ICE. Among Republicans, a quarter call for reform, and 5% seek abolition, mainly those aligning more with the Republican Party than Trump’s MAGA movement.

Public and legislative demands for ICE changes continue as federal immigration agents face criticism over their detention and deportation methods. Polling results over recent months have highlighted the decreasing public support for the Trump administration’s immigration approach. In an interview with “NBC Nightly News” anchor Tom Llamas, Trump suggested a softer approach might be utilized but insisted firmness remains necessary.

The poll further indicates that two-thirds of Americans, about 67%, believe tactics utilized by ICE and Customs and Border Patrol personnel have exceeded par, a view shared by majorities across partisan lines. Conversely, a majority of Republicans support current measures.

With funding negotiations for the Department of Homeland Security ongoing, Democratic leaders are unlikely to support new appropriations without specific reforms. Suggested reforms require judicial warrants for actions on private property, prohibit face masks for officers while ensuring identifiable attire, and establish rights and treatments for detainees.

The wearing of masks by federal immigration officers during recent actions drew disapproval from 63% of adults. Overwhelmingly, respondents from across political demographics agree that officers should not be granted immunity from prosecution for unlawful actions during immigration enforcement.

While consensus exists on some aspects, Americans remain deeply divided over broader immigration policy. In terms of offering undocumented residents a pathway to citizenship or resorting to deportations, two-thirds prefer the former, while one-third prefer the latter. This divide is stark among Republicans; while some align with a Trumpian deportation stance, others favor a path to citizenship.

The poll, which surveyed 21,995 adults online from January 27 to February 6, carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.4 percentage points. Ben Kamisar and Bridget Bowman of NBC News contributed to the report.