WASHINGTON, D.C. — Immigration and Customs Enforcement is now the least favorably viewed federal agency measured by Pew Research Center, with public opinion of ICE deteriorating over the past year.
A Pew survey conducted Sept. 28 through Oct. 4 found that 56% of U.S. adults have an unfavorable opinion of ICE, while 35% view the agency favorably. That gives ICE a net favorability rating of negative 21 points — considerably worse than the Internal Revenue Service, which stands at 37% favorable and 46% unfavorable.
Views remain sharply divided by party. Among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, 67% view ICE favorably and 23% unfavorably. Among Democrats and Democratic leaners, just 9% have a favorable opinion while 84% view the agency unfavorably. Even so, ICE’s standing declined within both groups compared with 2025.
Separate polling suggests that support for abolishing ICE has also increased. A July Economist/YouGov survey found 48% of Americans supported eliminating the agency while 40% opposed the idea. An earlier YouGov survey reported by Axios in March found 50% supported abolition and 39% opposed it.
Reason columnist Ilya Somin argued that ICE’s declining popularity could strengthen efforts to abolish the agency, while acknowledging that public opinion alone does not determine whether an agency or policy is effective.
The latest numbers come amid continued controversy over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement and deportation policies.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
