Support for President Donald Trump’s immigration policies took a significant hit in early 2026 after two Americans were killed by federal immigration agents last month. The latest NBC News Decision Desk Poll, conducted by SurveyMonkey, highlights this decline in public opinion.
Trump’s tough stance on immigration had long been a cornerstone of his appeal. However, opinions have shifted drastically. The poll reveals that 49% of adults now strongly disapprove of his handling of border security, up from 38% last summer. This sentiment is notably driven by independents, whose strong disapproval grew by 11 points since August.
A striking 60% of survey respondents expressed some level of disapproval regarding Trump’s approach to border issues. Only 40% offered their approval, and most of those were lukewarm. This is significant because it shows a growing disconnect between the administration’s narrative and public sentiment.
Marc Trussler, a senior elections analyst for NBC News, noted the importance of independents in elections, particularly in swing states. “Seeing them shift so heavily on a key issue is telling,” he said. The deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good were pivotal, prompting stark public reactions and intensified scrutiny of ICE.
The poll indicates that nearly 75% of respondents want ICE to be reformed or even abolished. A significant majority believes immigration agents have overstepped their bounds, with 63% disapproving of their aggressive tactics. Many also hold the administration accountable for escalating tensions.
Interestingly, social media plays a major role in shaping public perception. A survey segment revealed that 34% of people view social media videos as their most reliable information source on these issues, compared to 24% who trust national news coverage.
Overall, a whopping 62% of respondents doubt the fairness of federal investigations into the shootings. This distrust is rooted in reports of a lack of local involvement in these probes and the resignations of several federal prosecutors who felt pressured by the Trump administration.
As midterm elections approach, Trump’s overall approval has dropped to 39%. Meanwhile, ICE’s approval is even lower, sitting at 34%. Alarmingly, 65% of respondents believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.
Trump’s immigration stance is also causing divisions among Republicans. While some MAGA supporters strongly back certain actions, traditional Republicans are more skeptical. For instance, 74% of MAGA Republicans approve of immigration agents wearing masks, compared to only 46% of traditional Republicans.
In Minnesota, the local sentiment mirrors national trends, with residents showing a desire for some cooperation between local and federal authorities regarding deportations. However, the emphasis is still on ensuring fairness and transparency in enforcement.
This dramatic shift in public opinion suggests that President Trump may need to reconsider his approach to immigration as voter priorities evolve.
For more detailed information, the NBC News Decision Desk Poll can be found here.
