60% Believe Trump Oversteps with Federal Immigration Agents in Major Cities

Recent events have sparked significant concern regarding federal immigration practices in major U.S. cities. A recent poll conducted from February 5 to 8, 2026, reveals public sentiment on President Trump’s use of federal forces. This comes in the wake of two fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minnesota.

Public Perception of Federal Immigration Agents

The poll indicates that 62% of American adults believe President Trump has overstepped his authority by deploying federal immigration agents into urban areas. Additionally, 61% express similar concerns about the use of federal law enforcement during protests.

Concerns Regarding Immigration Policies

When evaluating Trump’s immigration policies, 54% of respondents feel he has gone too far in limiting legal immigration. Furthermore, 52% believe his deportation efforts toward undocumented immigrants are excessive.

Trends Over Time

Insights from the poll demonstrate a change in public opinion over the past year. Nearly a year ago, in April 2025, about 48% shared similar apprehensions regarding deportations. These statistics reflect a growing consciousness about the administration’s immigration tactics.

Familiarity and Approval Ratings

The poll highlights a notable increase in public awareness of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Currently, 60% of individuals view ICE unfavorably, a jump from 37% in 2018. In 2018, 33% of respondents reported they did not know enough about ICE to form an opinion; today, that number has dropped to just 6%.

Conclusion

Despite these shifting perspectives on immigration enforcement, President Trump’s overall approval ratings remain relatively stable. The public continues to scrutinize his approach to immigration, the economy, and foreign policy. The margin of error for this nationwide poll stands at +/- 3.9 percentage points, based on interviews with 1,156 adults.