Majority of Voters Now View ICE as ‘Too Aggressive,’ Fox News Poll Finds
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new Fox News poll released Wednesday reveals a growing public unease with the enforcement tactics of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, with 59 percent of voters now describing the agency as “too aggressive.” This marks a significant 10-point increase in criticism since July 2025, underscoring a shifting perception of ICE’s role and methods amid ongoing national debates over immigration policy.
While President Donald Trump maintains a 52 percent approval rating for his handling of border security, the poll highlights a more divided sentiment on immigration overall, with only 45 percent approving of his approach. The findings also indicate that even among Trump’s base, skepticism toward ICE’s enforcement practices is on the rise.
ICE, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, is tasked with enforcing immigration laws and focusing on the removal of undocumented immigrants with criminal records. However, the poll shows that only 29 percent of voters believe ICE “almost always” follows this pledge, while 27 percent say it happens “not very often.” Republicans are more likely to view ICE as fulfilling its mission, with 45 percent saying the agency almost always targets criminals, compared to just 17 percent of Democrats and 15 percent of independents.
Despite this partisan divide, the perception of ICE’s aggressiveness is increasingly shared across the political spectrum. The rise in criticism reflects broader concerns about the agency’s enforcement tactics, which have been a flashpoint in national discourse on immigration. Advocates and critics alike point to the need for a balance between border security and humane treatment of immigrants.
The poll’s timing coincides with ongoing debates in Congress and the White House regarding immigration reform and the future of ICE operations. The agency’s enforcement actions have sparked protests and calls from some lawmakers to overhaul or even abolish ICE, while others emphasize the importance of maintaining strong immigration controls.
Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows continued challenges at the border, including fluctuating numbers of illegal crossings, which fuel the complex policy discussions surrounding immigration enforcement.
As public opinion evolves, the Trump administration faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of voters who desire effective border security but are wary of aggressive enforcement methods. The poll suggests that the center of the political spectrum is increasingly critical of ICE’s approach, signaling potential shifts in the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
For further context on immigration enforcement and policy debates, resources from the American Civil Liberties Union provide detailed analysis of civil rights implications tied to ICE operations.
With the nation divided on how best to secure borders while respecting human rights, the latest Fox News poll underscores the challenges facing policymakers as they navigate one of the most contentious issues in American politics.
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