Most Americans say ICE has ‘gone too far’ in new poll

Summary of Most Americans say ICE has ‘gone too far’ in new poll

by NPR

17m•February 5, 2026
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Overview of NPR Politics Podcast — "Most Americans say ICE has ‘gone too far’"

This episode (NPR Politics Podcast, Feb 5, 2026) breaks down a new NPR/PBS News Marist poll and what it reveals about public opinion on ICE tactics, President Biden's successor’s approval, priorities for the administration, and broader political implications. Hosts Tamara Keith, Ashley Lopez and Domenico Montanaro discuss shifts in independent and Latino voters, partisan polarization, reactions to protests over ICE, and how these attitudes intersect with views on the economy and foreign policy.

Key poll takeaways

  • 65% of Americans say Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has "gone too far" — an 11-point increase since last summer.
  • Trump’s overall approval: 39% (under 40 in Marist polling since November).
  • Top voter priority: 54% say lowering prices should be the administration’s top focus; controlling immigration ranks second at 22%.
  • Partisan splits are stark:
    • Democrats: 93% say ICE has gone too far.
    • Independents: 71% say ICE has gone too far; independents align with Democrats on most questions.
    • Republicans: 85% approve of Trump’s job overall; 77% say ICE makes Americans safer; 75% view protesters as acting unlawfully.
  • Latino voters: 70% disapprove of ICE tactics; only 38% approve of Trump’s performance in this poll.
  • Tariffs: overall, 56% say tariffs hurt the economy vs. 31% who say they help — but many Republicans view tariffs positively.
  • Foreign policy: 56% disapprove of Trump’s handling; two-thirds oppose seizing control of Greenland; 72% say the president should consult Congress before military action.
  • Protests: Nearly 6 in 10 (about 59%) view demonstrations against ICE as mostly legitimate; 85% Democrats and 65% independents see them as legitimate, while 75% of Republicans view them as unlawful.

What drove the shift on ICE

  • Media coverage and recent violent incidents in Minneapolis (including two American deaths mentioned in the discussion) increased public attention and concern.
  • Visual, high-profile enforcement actions moved independents and Democrats by double digits toward disapproval.
  • Latino communities are especially sensitive due to recent changes in temporary protected status (TPS) for migrants and mixed-status family dynamics.

Voter blocs and political dynamics

  • Republicans: Highly unified and resistant to change — described as a "locked-in" base. Cultural identity and tribalism reinforce support for Trump and hardline immigration enforcement.
  • Independents: Shifting away from Trump on ICE, foreign policy and the economy; often backed Trump in 2024 for economic reasons but now express frustration at perceived distraction and chaos.
  • Latinos and young voters (<30): Once-important groups that helped Trump in 2024 on economic grounds are showing notable declines in support.
  • Psychological factor: Some Trump voters defend the president as a proxy for defending their own voting choice or identity, making them unlikely to abandon him.

Economy vs. immigration — the messaging problem

  • Voters continue to prioritize inflation/price stability over immigration; yet the administration’s focus on immigration and foreign policy has crowded out economic messaging.
  • Many voters feel “chaotic” news (domestic enforcement incidents, foreign policy moves) increases anxiety about personal economic security.
  • The administration plans more economic speeches and travel, but hosts observed those appearances often lack focus and are undermined by concurrent controversies.

White House response and short-term developments

  • The White House has shown signs of recalibration: public comments about “softening” enforcement tone, and a reported drawdown of ~700 ICE agents from Minnesota (announced by Tom Homan).
  • Administration intends frequent economic messaging, but traction may be limited while enforcement controversies persist.
  • Republicans in office largely back the administration’s stance; Democrats and independents are pushing back, increasing pressure in congressional funding debates.

Foreign policy findings

  • 56% disapprove of Trump’s foreign policy handling; independents are especially negative (63% disapprove).
  • Strong support overall for NATO (about two-thirds say the U.S. benefits; 56% have a favorable view).
  • Most voters (72%) want congressional consultation before military action.

Notable quotes and framing

  • “They bought the hat. They bought the T‑shirt and they're not giving it back.” — metaphor used to describe the durability of Trump’s base.
  • Hosts repeatedly emphasize the depth of polarization: Republicans and Democrats/independents are often separated by very large margins on the same questions.

Political implications and what to watch

  • If current trends hold, erosion among independents, Latinos and young voters could further weaken Trump’s broader coalition.
  • Watch for: congressional funding fights over ICE practices; whether the administration sustains an economic messaging pivot; ongoing public reactions and media coverage of enforcement incidents; subsequent polls to confirm trends.
  • Upcoming NPR episodes promised further political roundups and follow-up coverage on these issues.

Bottom line

The new NPR/PBS News Marist poll shows significant public backlash to ICE tactics, with independents and Latino voters moving away from the president’s approach. Strong partisan polarization remains: Republicans overwhelmingly support the administration’s actions, while Democrats and independents largely oppose them. The poll highlights a messaging and governing problem for the White House: voters want economic relief as the top priority, but enforcement controversies and foreign policy moves are dominating attention and undermining the administration’s standing on multiple fronts.