A new YouGov poll shows that 51% of Americans believe Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are “too forceful” in their duties. The survey of 2,686 adults found that 40% strongly disapprove and 12% somewhat disapprove of ICE’s actions, while only 24% strongly approved and 15% somewhat approved.
The poll highlights growing concern about ICE tactics. Only 27% of respondents said the agency’s approach was “about right,” while 10% felt officers were not forceful enough.
This survey comes amid heightened scrutiny following the shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota, which occurred the same day the poll was conducted. Lawmakers and activists have criticized ICE for using excessive force and instilling fear in communities.
Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.) said, “ICE has done nothing but inject terror, chaos, and cruelty into our communities. Trump’s immigration machine is using violence to control our communities—straight out of the authoritarian playbook.”
Some officials, however, defend the agency. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) described criticism of ICE as “really destructive,” noting agents are enforcing laws passed by Congress and warning that public attacks on ICE create a “powder keg” situation.
The YouGov results align with previous surveys. A Pew Research Center poll in August 2025 found 53% of Americans felt the Trump administration was doing “too much” on deportations, while Quinnipiac University reported 57% disapproval of ICE enforcement in July 2025.
The survey underscores the national debate over immigration enforcement tactics, particularly regarding the balance between law enforcement and human rights.
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