Public and Swing Voter Opinions Divided on ICE Enforcement, Presidential Priorities, and Approval

Public Sentiment Divided on ICE, Policy Priorities, and Presidential Approval

Recent analyses of public sentiment indicate divided views regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, presidential policy priorities, and overall job approval. Findings from a broad national poll and a focused online group of swing voters reveal varying perspectives across demographic groups.

Public Opinion on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A national NPR/PBS News/Marist poll highlights a notable shift in public perception of ICE. 65% of Americans now believe ICE has "gone too far" in immigration enforcement, marking an increase of 11 percentage points since the previous summer. This increase was primarily observed among independents and Democrats.

The poll also found that 60% disapprove of ICE's overall performance, and nearly 60% believe ICE makes Americans less safe. By a margin of 59% to 40%, respondents considered protests against ICE to be legitimate rather than unlawful.

"A majority of Americans, 65%, now believe ICE has 'gone too far' in immigration enforcement, an increase of 11 percentage points."

Among Republicans in the same poll, opinions sharply contrasted. Approximately 75% approved of ICE's job performance, 77% believed ICE makes Americans safer, and about 75% viewed enforcement methods as "about right" (45%) or "not far enough" (28%). Additionally, approximately 75% of Republicans considered protesters against ICE to be acting unlawfully.

In an online focus group of 14 Pennsylvania swing voters (who voted for Joe Biden in 2020 and Donald Trump in 2024), opinions on ICE's conduct were divided:

• Six participants stated ICE had "gone too far."
• Eight believed ICE was "getting things about right."
• No participants felt ICE had "not gone far enough."

Regarding a fatal shooting involving an ICE officer in Minneapolis, most swing voters had viewed video footage. Responsibility for the incident was attributed differently:

• Five voters blamed the ICE agent.
• Four voters blamed Renee Macklin Good, the individual who was shot.
• Four voters assigned equal blame to both individuals.
• Two voters attributed some blame to President Trump.

Statements from participants included an independent who stated the agent was no longer in harm's way, and a Republican who believed Macklin Good put herself in danger while also suggesting officers require training to avoid shooting to kill.

Presidential Policy Priorities

The 14 swing voters in the focus group unanimously agreed that President Trump should prioritize economic issues over foreign affairs. They cited recent actions such as US military involvement in Venezuela and proposals to acquire Greenland as examples of foreign policy engagements. All participants opposed the use of force for Greenland, with reports indicating a "framework" deal was later reached with European leaders concerning the territory.

Voters in this group also expressed concern that President Trump was addressing "too many things" rather than focusing on financial well-being. One Republican participant stated that a lack of economic focus generated anxiety for the middle class.

"All 14 swing voters unanimously agreed that President Trump should prioritize economic issues over foreign affairs."

The national NPR/PBS News/Marist poll also indicated a majority of voters prioritize the Trump administration focusing on lowering prices. Regarding specific policies:

• Greenland: Approximately 70% of Republicans supported taking control of Greenland, while independents and Democrats largely opposed it. Overall, 67% opposed the possibility of taking control of Greenland.
• Tariffs: 56% of respondents believed tariffs harm the economy, while 31% believed they help.
• Foreign Policy: 67% believed the U.S. benefits from its relationship with NATO, and 72% believed the president should consult Congress before military action.

Presidential Approval and Support Shifts

President Trump's overall approval rating in the NPR/PBS News/Marist poll stood at 39%, with 56% disapproving and 51% strongly disapproving. The 51% strong disapproval marks the highest recorded by Marist since 2017. While Trump's base maintained support, shifts were observed among younger people, Latinos, and independents within his voting coalition.

"President Trump's strong disapproval rating reached 51%, the highest recorded by Marist since 2017."

• Independents: Only 30% approved of Trump's overall performance; nearly two-thirds disapproved of his handling of the economy, and nearly 60% prioritized lowering prices.
• Latinos: 38% approved of Trump's overall performance; 60% disapproved of his economic handling, and 70% believed ICE had "gone too far."

Among the 14 swing voters, eight indicated disapproval of President Trump's job performance. Concurrently, most participants also voiced criticism of Democrats.