Poll: ICE

This Navigator Research report covers shifting public sentiment on immigration, Trump’s handling of immigration and deportations, and the deployment of ICE following the shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota.

Favorability and Awareness of ICE

Americans’ perception of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, has deteriorated over the past month – going from a favorability rating of net -8 in June to net -14 in December to net -20 in January, following the shooting of Renee Good. The story of Renee Good’s shooting broke through to overwhelming majorities (78% heard a lot/some), even among passive news consumers, or those who say news comes to them (65% heard a lot/some).

Favorability of ICE has taken an even sharper turn among those who have heard the news of the shooting of Renee Good compared to those who have heard less about the news (have heard the news: 58% unfavorable, have not heard the news: 49% unfavorable). Other groups who have seen stark drop offs in ICE’s favorability are Hispanic Americans (from net -23 in June, to net -30 in December, to now net -41), those living in the Midwest (from net -2 in June, to net -13 in December, to now net -22), and moderates (from net -22 in June, to net -31 in December, to now net -39).

ICE’s Aggression and Fractures within Republican Party

Majorities believe ICE has been too aggressive in their actions (59% too aggressive – 24% balanced – 12% not aggressive enough). In June 2025, amid ongoing protests against ICE in Los Angeles, Navigator found that 52% believed Trump’s deportation efforts had gone too far and 31% thought they struck the right balance.

Republicans have begun to fracture on the issue of ICE, with more Republican women now saying ICE has been too aggressive (35% too aggressive – 33% struck the right balance – 20% not aggressive enough). Similarly, a majority of Catholic Americans, a slightly Republican-leaning group (46% lean Republican – 44% lean Democrat), believe ICE has been too aggressive in their actions (59% too aggressive – 27% struck the right balance – 13% not aggressive enough).

From Focus Groups

Navigator held focus groups days after an ICE officer shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis. ICE enforcement and the shooting are top of mind for many, especially for Latino Americans. Others say raids and deportations are hitting close to home.

• “It’s just been kind of disgusting what happens because of the domino effect of ICE getting $4 billion jumping up there, how much they have now to spend and use.” – AZ Hispanic man
• “He created his own Gestapo and you know how it is. He’s going after Hispanics now, but when he gets done with Hispanics, you know who’s next.” – NC Hispanic man
• “Where are the checks and balances? It just seems like the individuals that are within ICE and all this, there’s just no boundaries.” – MI Black man