Poll Shows 59% View ICE Deportations as Excessively Aggressive After Minneapolis Shootings
Updated (2 articles)
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Image: NewsweekMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 28: ICE agents leave a residence after knocking on the door on January 28, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security continues its immigration enforcement operations after two high-profile killings by federal agents in recent weeks. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Source Full size
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Image: NewsweekMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 28: ICE agents leave a residence after knocking on the door on January 28, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security continues its immigration enforcement operations after two high-profile killings by federal agents in recent weeks. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Source Full size
Majority of Voters Criticize ICE’s Deportation Tactics A Fox News poll of 1,005 registered voters conducted Jan 23‑26 found 59 percent say ICE deportations are “too aggressive,” up ten points from July’s 49 percent, with a 3‑point margin of error [1]. A Reuters‑Ipsos survey of 1,139 adults Jan 23‑25 reported 58 percent believe ICE “has gone too far” in its crackdown [2]. Both polls show a clear shift toward public opposition to current immigration enforcement practices.
Second Fatal Shooting by Federal Agents Sparks Bipartisan Outcry On Jan 27, 37‑year‑old Alex Pretti was killed by Border Patrol in Minneapolis, marking the city’s second fatal encounter with immigration officers this month after the Jan 7 death of 37‑year‑old Renee Nicole Good [1][2]. The killings prompted calls for an independent investigation and a resolution by more than 120 Democrats to impeach DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, though passage is unlikely in a Republican‑controlled Congress [1][2]. Local leaders, including Mayor Jacob Frey, demanded the removal of ICE from the Twin Cities.
Congressional Action Targets DHS Funding and ICE Operations Democrats are moving to block a DHS funding bill and attach constraints on ICE, facing a Friday deadline to fund the department [1]. The legislative push coincides with the impeachment resolution against Noem and reflects heightened oversight after the Minneapolis incidents [1][2]. Republicans, led by President Trump, have doubled down on ICE deployment, with Trump posting about a call with Gov. Tim Walz promising continued ICE involvement [2].
Operation Metro Surge Persists Amid Protests and Legal Challenges ICE and Border Patrol continue “Operation Metro Surge,” an intensified enforcement campaign in the Twin Cities that has generated street demonstrations and lawsuits [1]. The operation’s visibility increased as Trump and the White House reiterated plans to deport “violent criminal illegal aliens,” while local officials criticize the tactics [2]. Legal challenges and public opposition are shaping the national debate over immigration enforcement.
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: Fox News Poll Finds 59% View ICE Deportations as Too Aggressive Amid Minneapolis Shootings: details the Fox News poll’s 59 percent “too aggressive” rating, the two fatal Minneapolis shootings, congressional funding battles, and the ongoing Operation Metro Surge .
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2.
Newsweek: Trump’s Immigration Approval Hits Record Low Amid Minneapolis Killings: reports Reuters‑Ipsos poll showing 39 percent approval of Trump’s immigration handling, 58 percent view ICE as overreaching, the Pretti killing, impeachment efforts against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and Trump’s reaffirmation of ICE deployments .
Timeline
Feb 2025 – Trump’s immigration approval sits at 50%, the highest level recorded in his second term, according to Reuters‑Ipsos data [2].
July 2025 – A Fox News poll finds 49% of voters say ICE deportations are “too aggressive,” establishing a baseline before a later surge [1].
Jan 7, 2026 – Federal immigration officers kill 37‑year‑old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, prompting bipartisan calls for an independent investigation [1].
Jan 23‑26, 2026 – Fox News surveys 1,005 registered voters; 59% now view ICE deportations as “too aggressive,” a 10‑point rise from July, while 54% say the country is worse off than a year ago [1].
Jan 23‑25, 2026 – Reuters‑Ipsos polls 1,139 adults; 39% approve Trump’s handling of immigration and 58% say ICE “has gone too far,” marking a record‑low approval for the president’s immigration policy [2].
Jan 27, 2026 – Border Patrol officer shoots and kills 37‑year‑old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, the second fatal shooting by immigration agents in the city that month [1][2].
Jan 27, 2026 – Trump posts on Truth Social about a call with Gov. Tim Walz promising ICE involvement, while the White House vows to continue deporting “violent criminal illegal aliens” [2].
Jan 27, 2026 – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey tweets on X demanding that ICE leave the city, intensifying local opposition to the federal presence [2].
Jan 27, 2026 – More than 120 Democrats introduce a resolution to impeach DHS Secretary Kristi Noem over the Minneapolis killings, though passage looks unlikely in a Republican‑controlled Congress [2].
Jan 29, 2026 – Fox News releases its poll amid “Operation Metro Surge,” an intensified ICE and Border Patrol enforcement campaign in the Twin Cities that spurs street demonstrations, legal challenges, and heightened scrutiny [1].
Jan 30, 2026 – Congress faces a Friday deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security; Democrats seek to attach ICE constraints to the funding bill as oversight pressure mounts [1].
2026 (ongoing) – Lawmakers and advocacy groups push for an independent investigation into the Minneapolis shootings, signaling continued demand for accountability [1].