Republican Support for Abolishing ICE Jumps as Backlash Over Agent Killings Fuels National Outrage

Support among Republicans for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has risen in recent weeks, according to a new national poll from The Economist and YouGov, signaling a notable shift in attitudes toward the controversial agency.

The survey, conducted January 25, 2026, found that 19 percent of Republicans now support abolishing ICE, up from 15 percent in a similar poll taken earlier this month. While a clear majority of Republicans still oppose abolition, the four-point increase in a short period reflects growing discomfort within parts of the party over ICE’s recent actions and public scrutiny.

Overall, the poll shows that 46 percent of Americans support abolishing ICE, including 34 percent who strongly support the idea and 12 percent who somewhat support it. About 41 percent oppose abolition, while 12 percent remain unsure. Among Democrats, support is overwhelming, with 76 percent backing the abolition of the agency.

The surge in attention comes amid heightened backlash against ICE following a series of deadly encounters involving immigration agents. In Minnesota alone, two people — Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, and Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three — were fatally shot by immigration agents in Minneapolis within a three-week span. The incidents have sparked protests, calls for accountability, and renewed debate over ICE’s tactics and oversight.

Criticism of the agency has also intensified over conditions in detention facilities and its broader record. Advocacy groups report that 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025, making it the deadliest year for detainees in two decades. Concerns have also been raised about alleged due process violations, arrests involving minors, and accusations of racial profiling.

The growing momentum has reached Capitol Hill. Representative Shri Thanedar, a Democrat from Michigan, recently introduced the Abolish ICE Act, which seeks to dismantle the agency and eliminate federal funding for its operations. Several state and local officials, particularly in Minnesota, have also publicly called for ICE to leave their jurisdictions.

Some Republicans have begun voicing concern, even if they stop short of endorsing abolition. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana said the recent incidents in Minneapolis were “incredibly disturbing” and called for a full investigation, adding that “the credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake.”

With immigration enforcement increasingly shaping national politics, the poll suggests the debate over ICE is no longer confined to the political left. As protests continue and lawmakers push for reforms or outright abolition, pressure is mounting on Congress and the administration to respond.

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It's time to abolish Trump’s ICE. pic.twitter.com/DEzVEra6DE

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) January 24, 2026

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