Support for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has inched up among Republicans, according to a new YouGov survey conducted for The Economist.
In early January, 15% of Republicans said they supported abolishing ICE. In the latest poll, that figure rose to 19%.
Why it matters
Calls to abolish ICE have grown louder amid rising public backlash over immigration enforcement tactics and continued clashes between immigration officers and communities.
ICE operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), created by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 following 9/11. ICE was granted broad authority to detain people suspected of being in the U.S. unlawfully.
Tensions have intensified sharply in Minnesota. In less than three weeks, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, and Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, were shot and killed by immigration agents in Minneapolis—incidents that sparked widespread protests and condemnation.
Beyond those shootings, critics point to broader concerns about ICE’s conduct, including 32 deaths in ICE custody in 2025—described as the agency’s deadliest year in two decades—along with allegations involving due process, arrests of children, and racial profiling.
What to know about the poll
The most recent YouGov poll was conducted January 25, 2026, surveying 3,359 U.S. adults.
- 46% said they strongly or somewhat strongly support abolishing ICE (34% strongly, 12% somewhat).
- 41% opposed abolition (10% somewhat, 31% strongly).
- 12% said they were unsure.
Among Republicans specifically:
- 8% strongly supported abolishing ICE and 11% somewhat supported it.
- 73% opposed it (13% somewhat, 60% strongly).
Support was highest among Democrats:
- 76% supported abolishing ICE (62% strongly, 14% somewhat).
The poll follows an earlier survey conducted January 9–12, shortly after Good’s killing. Over roughly two weeks, Republican support for abolishing ICE rose by four percentage points.
Political response
Democratic Congressman Shri Thanedar of Michigan introduced the Abolish ICE Act earlier this month, proposing to dismantle the agency and terminate federal funding for ICE.
Minnesota has remained a focal point following the killings, with state officials continuing to call for ICE to leave the state. Several political figures have publicly backed abolition.
What people are saying
- Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.): “The events in Minneapolis are incredibly disturbing. The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake. There must be a full joint federal and state investigation. We can trust the American people with the truth.”
- New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, posting on X January 24: “As tens of thousands across America protest the violence that ICE sows with impunity, federal agents shot and killed another person in Minneapolis today. ICE terrorizes our cities. ICE puts us all in danger. Abolish ICE.”
- Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, posting on X January 24: “It’s time to abolish Trump’s ICE.”
What happens next
After Pretti’s shooting, the chances of a government shutdown have risen as Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will block a DHS funding package.
