CNN Poll: Nearly Half of Americans Say ICE Is Making U.S. Cities Less Safe

A new CNN poll shows deep public concern about the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with roughly half of Americans saying ICE enforcement actions are making U.S. cities less safe.

The survey, conducted by SSRS, comes in the wake of a fatal shooting in Minneapolis involving an ICE agent and resident Renee Good. According to the poll, 56 percent of Americans say the shooting was an inappropriate use of force, and 51 percent believe it reflects broader problems with how ICE operates. Just 26 percent view the shooting as appropriate, while others say it was an isolated incident or that they have not heard enough to form an opinion.

Overall, Americans say by a 51 percent to 31 percent margin that ICE enforcement actions are making cities less safe rather than safer. Another 18 percent say ICE has had little effect either way.

Views vary sharply along partisan lines. More than eight in ten Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say the shooting was inappropriate and point to larger issues with ICE operations. A majority of Republicans, meanwhile, say ICE enforcement has made cities safer, though opinions within the party are more divided when it comes to the shooting itself.

Independents who do not lean toward either party also express concern, with more than half saying ICE actions are making cities less safe and viewing the shooting as a sign of broader problems.

The poll also finds increasing skepticism toward President Donald Trump’s deportation policies. A majority of Americans now say those efforts have gone too far, and more respondents say they are more concerned about crackdowns on deportation protests than about the protests themselves.

Trust in the federal government’s ability to fairly investigate the shooting is limited, with fewer than four in ten Americans expressing moderate or high confidence. Approval of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s job performance also remains below 40 percent.

The findings highlight a sustained shift in public opinion on immigration enforcement, even as immigration remains a central and polarizing political issue nationwide.

Credit: CNN Newsource

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.