The Misaligned Message from Trump on ICE

The recent deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to US airports during TSA staffing shortages in March 2026 has reignited debate over the agency’s role in American society. President Donald Trump has proclaimed that “the men and women of ICE are doing a GREAT job” and are “loved and respected in America.” However, polling data paints a more nuanced picture.

Republicans remain largely supportive of ICE, with 75% believing the agency is doing a good job. But Americans overall express more negative than positive views of ICE. According to an NPR/PBS News/Marist poll from February, nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents believed that ICE had “gone too far” in enforcing immigration laws. This sentiment was shared across party lines, with 93% of Democrats and 71% of Independents expressing dissatisfaction.

The divergence between Trump’s message and public opinion raises questions about the President’s understanding of the issue. Does he genuinely believe Americans hold ICE in high esteem, or is this a case of him speaking to his base while ignoring broader sentiment? The answer lies in the polling data, which suggests that Trump’s characterization is at odds with reality.

Growing dissatisfaction with ICE can be attributed to several factors, including recent enforcement tactics. Four fatal shootings by ICE officers in six months have sparked outrage and calls for greater oversight and accountability. A directive issued by DHS instructing agents to take a break from making traffic stops was later reversed, prompting allegations that Trump’s post undermined the agency’s efforts to reform its practices.

Moreover, Trump’s assertion that immigrants are prone to criminal activity is unfounded. According to evidence, immigrants commit significantly less crime than native-born Americans. Yet, this claim has been repeatedly made by the President, with his latest social media post referencing unsubstantiated figures on immigration. The Congressional Budget Office estimated net immigration from 2021 to 2024 at around 8.3 million, while Customs and Border Protection reported over 10 million encounters with individuals attempting to enter the US.

As Americans become increasingly positive about immigration – nearly three-quarters believe it is a good thing – the disconnect between public opinion and Trump’s message becomes more pronounced. Polling data suggests that Americans distinguish between immigration itself and the enforcement of immigration laws, as well as the resources and tactics used to carry out that enforcement.

The widening call for oversight and accountability of ICE reflects this growing awareness. Protests erupting throughout Maine and cities like New York, Boston, and Los Angeles are driving a demand for mandatory body cameras, judicial warrants for home entries, and an end to pretextual stops based on race or ethnicity.

It is time for Trump’s message to align with the sentiments of Americans. Rather than promoting ICE as “loved and respected,” the President should work towards addressing concerns and criticisms levied against the agency. Only through meaningful reform can ICE regain the trust of the American people.