ICE’s Popularity Falls Below IRS Amid Rising Calls for Agency Reform
Recent polls show ICE’s favorability lags IRS by 21 points, fueling calls for reform.
Why it matters: Why it matters: For legal professionals in immigration and administrative law, changing public attitudes toward ICE may influence enforcement priorities and legislative reforms affecting federal immigration policy.
- 56% of Americans view ICE unfavorably vs. 35% favorably, per Pew Research Center (Oct 2026).
- ICE ranks lowest in favorability among 12 federal agencies surveyed by Pew Research.
- Republican support for ICE declined from 72% in 2025 to 67% in 2026; Democratic opposition rose from 78% to 84%.
- A July 2026 YouGov poll found 48% of Americans support abolishing ICE; 40% oppose it.
Recent public opinion data indicates a marked decline in support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A Pew Research Center survey from September–October 2026 reports that 56% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of ICE, compared to 35% who view it favorably. This places ICE’s favorability 21 points below the Internal Revenue Service, illustrating a significant drop in public approval.
Among the 12 federal agencies surveyed, ICE has the lowest favorability rating, reflecting broad public dissatisfaction. Notably, Republican support declined from 72% in 2025 to 67% in 2026, while Democratic opposition increased from 78% to 84%.[Pew]
Additional polling from YouGov in July 2026 found that 48% of Americans support abolishing ICE, while 40% oppose the idea. Similarly, a February 2026 Marquette Law School survey identified 60% disapproval of ICE overall, with 80% Republican approval contrasting sharply with just 5% approval from Democrats.
A 2026 Ipsos poll highlighted that 58% of Americans believe ICE’s immigration enforcement has gone too far, including most Democrats and independents, but fewer Republicans.
These trends take place amid ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and ICE’s role. Opposition to policies under former President Trump energizes younger voters, per the Harvard Youth Poll. Meanwhile, other issues like cost of living remain dominant legislative concerns (AP-NORC poll).
Legal professionals in immigration and administrative law should monitor these opinion shifts, as they could presage changes to ICE’s enforcement strategies or congressional efforts to reform or restructure the agency.
By the numbers:
- 56% unfavorable vs. 35% favorable — ICE perception in Pew Research (Oct 2026)
- 21-point gap — ICE’s lower favorability compared to IRS
- 48% support abolishing ICE — July 2026 YouGov poll
Yes, but: Public opinion polls mainly capture perceptions rather than legal or operational realities; lawmakers and courts weigh multiple factors beyond polling in shaping ICE policy.
What's next: Congressional hearings and immigration reform proposals expected in early 2027 may respond to shifting public sentiment on ICE enforcement.