A recent survey has shed light on American perspectives regarding ICE amidst nationwide raids and the fatalities of two civilians.
Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign clearly articulated his administration’s firm stance on immigration, emphasizing efforts to reduce the presence of undocumented immigrants in the United States and increase deportations.
Trump committed to executing ‘the largest domestic deportation operation in American history,’ and has appeared to adhere to this promise. Per NBC News data, as of January 8 of this year, ICE held 68,990 migrants in detention.
Minneapolis has been significantly affected recently. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claims that 10,000 individuals have been detained in the Minnesota city, describing them as ‘criminal illegal aliens who were killing Americans, hurting children and reigning terror,’ according to a Homeland Security statement released on January 19.
However, throughout the raids and ICE protests, two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, have been killed by federal agents.
Their deaths have ignited national debate, a sentiment reflected in a new YouGov poll.
One poll was conducted shortly after Pretti’s death on Saturday, January 24. This survey revealed that more Americans approve of the ongoing anti-ICE demonstrations than disapprove.
A separate poll conducted the day after the shooting of Pretti found that approximately half of those surveyed believed the death of the 37-year-old intensive care nurse was unjustified, with only 20 percent considering it justified.
The disparity widened among those who viewed footage of the event, with two-thirds believing Pretti’s shooting was unjustified.
According to data published on January 24, 46 percent of Americans support the dissolution of ICE, while 41 percent oppose the dismantling of the agency.
There is a distinct divide in opinions on ICE between Democrats and Republicans.
The majority of those advocating for its abolition identify as Democrats.
Conversely, among respondents, 21 percent of Republicans believe ICE officers should be more forceful, while 49 percent feel the current level of force is ‘about right’.
In contrast, 90 percent of Democrats consider ICE’s actions to be excessively forceful. Overall, 58 percent of US adults view ICE’s tactics as overly violent.