Topline
More Americans now support the abolishment of ICE, in a major change since July and in Donald Trump’s first presidency, as the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a federal officer has led to a wave of backlash against the agency.
Candles are lit outside the US Embassy in London in memory of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the U.S.
SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Key Facts
The poll published Jan. 13 from The Economist and YouGov found 46% of people support abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, compared to 43% who are in opposition of the movement; 12% were unsure.
It represents a significant change in public opinion since July, when the same polling group found 27% were in support of ICE’s abolishment.
When The Economist and YouGov asked the same question in 2019—a year after the “Abolish ICE” movement began—Americans showed an unfavorable opinion of the federal agency, but just 32% felt it should be eliminated.
Support for abolishing ICE has been rising since Trump began his second term, according to Civiqs, which found 25% were in favor of getting rid of the agency before Trump’s inauguration compared to 42% after the death of Good, which has triggered nationwide protests and renewed interest from Congress.
The new polls draw similar conclusions to a separate YouGov survey after Good was killed, showing 52% of Americans disapprove of ICE’s actions, as well as 51% who said its federal officers were being “too forceful.”
Key Background
While Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., said he would introduce the Abolish ICE Act, other members of Congress are eying reform rather than an abolishment. Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., introduced a bill that would “rein in their use of excessive and unnecessary force” whereas Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., called for ICE to be defunded.
Crucial Quote
“I was the first member of Congress to call for abolishing ICE,” Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Ma., said on X. “Turns out I was on to something.”
Tangent
Good’s killing led to a wave of support over the weekend, with Indivisible, a progressive grassroots activist movement, estimating 1,000 rallies were expected to take place during “ICE Out For Good Weekend of Action.” The coordinated events gained steam throughout the country, including in Minneapolis, where thousands marched against the federal agency.
Further Reading
New Footage Shows ICE Agent’s Perspective In Minnesota Shooting (Forbes)
Minnesota Officials Dispute Trump and Noem’s Claims That Woman Killed By ICE Tried To Run Over Agent (Forbes)
Who Was Renee Nicole Good? Woman Shot Dead By ICE Agent In Minneapolis (Forbes)