In the latest wave of national polling, more Americans than ever before now back the idea of abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — a startling change in public sentiment that reflects growing frustration with immigration enforcement practices and political leadership on border policy. Evidence from multiple reputable polling organizations shows a dramatic shift in attitudes compared with just a year ago, making this issue one of the most talked-about topics in American public life in 2026.
This surge in support for abolishing ICE is not only shaping political debates but also influencing broader conversations around immigration, enforcement tactics, public safety, and civil rights — all of which are top-of-mind for voters across the United States.
Why Support for Abolishing ICE Has Jumped So Dramatically
Recent polling analyzed by the research firm Civiqs indicates that 42% of Americans now support abolishing ICE, compared to just 24% a year ago. This represents a major shift in public opinion, given ICE’s longstanding role as a federal immigration enforcement agency since 2003.
Traditionally, public support for abolishing ICE was relatively low, and the agency often maintained positive approval ratings, particularly among Republican voters. But that dynamic has changed sharply. According to historic polling records, ICE’s approval rating has now dipped into negative territory, highlighting a broader public unease with the agency’s tactics and overall approach to immigration enforcement.
This shift in opinion reflects not only changing attitudes toward immigration policy, but also real-world events that have put enforcement practices under intense national scrutiny — from publicized aggressive raids across major U.S. cities to high-profile incidents that have sparked widespread protest and debate.
The Impact of Policy and Enforcement Incidents on Public Attitudes
Poll data suggests that multiple factors are driving increased support for abolishing ICE. One of the most significant is public reaction to highly visible enforcement actions that many Americans perceive as overly forceful or unjust. In one example from early January 2026, a federal immigration officer fatally shot a civilian during an operation in Minneapolis, an event that immediately triggered protests and national media coverage.
Following this incident, independent polling from YouGov showed that over half of respondents disapproved of ICE’s actions, and a significant portion believed the agency’s tactics were excessively aggressive.
Protests and public demonstrations have since spread to multiple U.S. cities, illustrating a broader trend of activists and everyday citizens pushing back against enforcement tactics they see as harmful to immigrant communities and unjust. This contributes to a negative perception of ICE that appears to be reshaping public opinion far more rapidly than many experts anticipated.
Political Polarization Around ICE
The debate over ICE is deeply intertwined with partisan politics in the United States. Support for the agency remains strongly divided along party lines, with Republican voters generally more likely to approve of ICE’s role in enforcing immigration laws, while Democrats and many independents are increasingly critical.
Yet the most striking trend revealed by recent polling isn’t just partisan disagreement — it’s the growth of anti-ICE sentiment among a broader slice of the population. In the past, a majority of Americans generally approved of ICE or were indifferent. Now, as many as four in ten Americans support abolishing the agency entirely — a dramatic change in just a short period.
As we note, this shift isn’t happening in isolation. It coincides with broader debates over immigration policy, border security, and civil rights protections — issues that have dominated national discourse in recent election cycles and legislative battles.
What Abolishing ICE Would Mean — And What It Wouldn’t
For many supporters of abolishing ICE, the goal is to end what they see as excessive federal power and a system that disrupts immigrant families and communities. But critics and policy analysts point out that abolishing ICE alone wouldn’t eliminate immigration enforcement in the United States — much of that responsibility rests with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other agencies.
This nuance is often lost in broader public debates, but it’s important: ending ICE would require policymakers to reimagine how immigration enforcement and border security function as a whole, potentially creating new systems or redistributing responsibilities across federal and local agencies.
Some reform advocates argue that abolishing ICE could open the door for more humane, community-based immigration solutions designed to respect human rights while maintaining national security — a proposal that resonates with voters who are increasingly uncomfortable with current enforcement tactics.
How Americans View Immigration Enforcement Overall
The surge in support for abolishing ICE isn’t happening in a vacuum. It aligns with long-term trends showing Americans’ shifting views on immigration enforcement:
- In previous years, major pollsters found ICE to be among the least popular federal agencies, particularly among Democratic voters.
- Recent YouGov polling shows that more Americans now disapprove of ICE than approve, with a majority saying its tactics are too forceful.
- Other survey data indicate that broader immigration policies, including deportation levels and border enforcement strategies, have become contentious issues for voters across the political spectrum.
What this means is clear: public perception of immigration policy is shifting, and ICE has become a central symbol in that debate.
What the Future Holds for ICE and Public Policy
With public support for abolishing ICE reaching historic highs, policymakers and political leaders will likely confront intense pressure to respond. Whether this leads to legislative action, administrative reform, or broader policy shifts remains uncertain — but it is now undeniably a central issue in American political discourse.
Given the current electoral landscape, advocacy groups on both sides of the debate are mobilizing. Progressive organizations are amplifying calls to dismantle ICE and replace it with alternative systems focused on humanitarian enforcement. Meanwhile, opponents are highlighting the importance of a robust immigration enforcement agency to uphold national borders and law. These clashing visions reflect deeper ideological divides within American society.
What’s clear from recent data is that Americans are paying closer attention than ever to how immigration policy affects their communities, national identity, and civil liberties. As this debate continues to evolve, public opinion — as measured by polling — will remain a key force shaping the narrative.
A Defining Moment in Public Opinion
The growing backing for abolishing ICE represents one of the most substantial shifts in American public opinion on immigration enforcement in decades. Once a fringe position held by a minority of voters, it has surged into mainstream discussion with remarkable momentum. Driven by high-profile enforcement controversies, changing perceptions of government authority, and broader concerns about fairness and justice, this shift shows how deeply immigration policy resonates with everyday Americans.
As the country heads into a new phase of political engagement around this issue, lawmakers, community leaders, and ordinary citizens alike will need to grapple with what it means to balance national security, humane enforcement practices, and public sentiment.
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