Minnesotans Weigh In On ICE Tactics And Local Law Enforcement
New Poll: Most Minnesotans Disapprove of ICE Tactics, Support Reform Over Abolition
A new statewide poll shows most Minnesotans have a negative view of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, even as many still support cooperation between ICE and local authorities.
The survey, conducted by NBC Decision Desk, KARE 11, and the Minnesota Star Tribune, found that about two-thirds of Minnesotans disapprove of ICE agents and believe their enforcement tactics have gone too far. The poll included more than 1,200 respondents and was conducted from January 27 through February 6, with a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points.
Despite the overall negative perception, the poll reveals some nuance in public opinion. An overwhelming majority of Minnesotans say state and local law enforcement agencies should cooperate with ICE. In addition, more than three-quarters of respondents say they would prefer to see the agency reformed rather than abolished entirely.
The poll also shows declining approval for President Trump in Minnesota. Forty percent of respondents approve of the president’s job performance, down from 45 percent last summer. Sixty percent of Minnesotans say they blame the Trump administration for recent clashes between ICE agents and protesters, as well as other unrest across the state.