Most Americans Say Nationwide ICE Operations Should Be Decreased, Reveals New Survey
A recent nationwide survey highlights that the majority of Americans believe Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations should be decreased. This perspective is sharply divided along partisan lines, consistent with the trends observed over the past year regarding views on the deportation program.
Interestingly, those who advocate for increasing ICE operations tend to support heightened enforcement more in Democratic areas than in Republican ones.
### Public Opinion on ICE Enforcement Priorities
For many months, public opinion on the deportation program has largely hinged on whether Americans believe ICE is prioritizing dangerous criminals. When respondents think ICE focuses on dangerous individuals, support for the program increases. Conversely, if they feel it does not, support declines.
A similar pattern emerges in opinions about ICE officials’ authority to stop individuals and request proof of citizenship. A strong majority agree that ICE should be able to ask for proof of citizenship from someone who has a warrant or a prior record. However, even among those who generally approve of the deportation program, most oppose ICE officials having the power to ask anyone at random for such proof, especially individuals they perceive to be racial minorities.
### Hispanic Americans’ Views on Immigration Enforcement
Polling data from last summer showed that most Americans—including a large majority of Hispanics—feel that Hispanic people are subjected to more immigration and deportation searches than others. This perception remains prevalent today.
A majority of Hispanic Americans express opposition to the current administration’s deportation program, particularly among those who believe Hispanic individuals face disproportionate scrutiny. This issue is also gaining political significance heading into the 2026 midterm elections. After making significant gains among Hispanic voters in the 2024 presidential election, the president’s approval rating within this demographic has declined over the course of the term.
### Overall Partisan Divide on Deportation Program
Views on the overall deportation program continue to be somewhat negative across the American public. However, the divide is starkly partisan, with Republicans showing strong support for ICE operations and deportation measures.
### The Epstein Files: Public Interest and Dissatisfaction
Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds of Americans are closely following news relating to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Most remain dissatisfied with how the Trump administration is handling the Epstein files. Notably, dissatisfaction has increased slightly since last fall.
### About the Survey
This CBS News/YouGov survey was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 2,264 U.S. adults, interviewed between February 25–27, 2026. The sample was weighted to reflect the adult population nationwide by gender, age, race, and education, according to data from the U.S. Census American Community Survey and Current Population Survey, as well as the 2024 presidential vote. The margin of error for the survey is ±2.5 percentage points.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cbs-news-poll-deportation-operations-divide/
