Key Takeaways:
- American approval of President Donald Trump’s immigration policy has dropped to its lowest level since his return to the White House, with 53% disapproving and 39% approving.
- A new Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 58% of Americans believe Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have gone "too far" in their crackdown, while 12% believe they have not gone far enough.
- Trump’s overall approval rating has slid to 38%, tying the lowest level of his current term.
- The Trump administration has faced growing backlash after federal immigration agents fatally shot two people in Minneapolis, including a 37-year-old ICU nurse.
- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has announced that Trump has agreed to consider reducing the number of immigration agents in Minnesota and will ensure state investigators can independently probe the shooting.
Introduction to the Crisis
The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll has revealed a disturbing trend in American opinion regarding President Donald Trump’s immigration policy. With 53% of Americans disapproving of the policy and only 39% approving, it is clear that the country is becoming increasingly divided on the issue. This drop in approval is particularly notable given that immigration was once a strong point for Trump, with 50% of Americans approving of his handling of the issue in February 2025. However, the recent deployment of immigration agents to cities across the United States, often in tactical military-style gear, has sparked widespread protests and criticism.
The Minneapolis Shootings
The poll’s findings come amidst a growing backlash against the Trump administration’s handling of immigration, particularly in Minneapolis. On January 24, federal immigration agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, during a protest against the deployment of immigration agents. This incident, combined with the earlier shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by a federal agent on January 7, has sparked outrage and calls for an investigation. The Trump administration has accused Pretti of assaulting officers, but videos recorded by bystanders appear to contradict this account. The use of deadly force by immigration agents has raised questions about the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement and the potential risks to American citizens.
Public Opinion and Protests
The Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 58% of Americans believe that ICE agents have gone "too far" in their crackdown, while 12% believe they have not gone far enough. This perception is particularly pronounced among Democrats, with nine in 10 believing that ICE has overstepped its bounds. In contrast, only two in 10 Republicans and six in 10 independents share this view. The poll’s findings are reflected in the widespread protests that have erupted in cities across the United States, including Minneapolis, where thousands of protesters braved subzero temperatures to decry the shooting and call for an end to the federal intervention.
Government Response and Investigations
In response to the growing backlash, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced that Trump has agreed to consider reducing the number of immigration agents in Minnesota and will ensure state investigators can independently probe the Pretti shooting. This development comes after Walz had a "productive" call with the president, during which they reportedly discussed the issue. However, Republican lawmakers have increasingly called for investigations into the killing of Pretti, while Democrats have refused to fund the Department of Homeland Security, citing concerns about the administration’s handling of immigration. The situation has raised tensions and sparked fears of a government shutdown, highlighting the deep divisions within the country on the issue of immigration.
Trump’s Approval Rating and the Future of Immigration Policy
The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll also found that Trump’s overall approval rating has slid to 38%, tying the lowest level of his current term. This decline is likely linked to the growing controversy surrounding his immigration policy, which has sparked widespread criticism and protests. As the debate over immigration continues to rage, it remains to be seen how the Trump administration will respond to the growing backlash and whether it will reconsider its approach to immigration enforcement. With the 2024 presidential election still fresh in the minds of Americans, Trump’s handling of immigration is likely to remain a major issue in the coming months and years.
