President Donald Trump faces a significant decline in his immigration approval ratings, now at just 39%, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. This steep drop marks a stark contrast to his previously strong support on this issue, with 53% of Americans expressing disapproval of his handling of immigration policies. The poll, conducted from March 15 to March 17, also reveals that 58% of respondents believe federal agents have overstepped their boundaries in enforcement actions.
The polling data reflects public sentiment following a tragic incident in Minneapolis, where Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, during an immigration operation. This shooting, which occurred on March 16, represents the second fatal encounter involving federal immigration officers in Minnesota this month, raising alarms and prompting protests across the nation. Just a year ago, Trump’s immigration approval stood at 50%, with only 41% disapproving, showcasing an 11-point decline in public support.
Political experts are noting a pronounced divide in public opinion. Approximately 90% of Democrats and 60% of independents believe federal agents have gone too far in their enforcement tactics, while only 20% of Republicans share that view. Larry Jacobs, a public affairs professor at the University of Minnesota, stated, “The approval for Donald Trump on an issue that worked for him, immigration, is down and going down further.”
In the aftermath of Pretti’s death, officials from the Department of Homeland Security claimed that Pretti approached agents with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and resisted efforts to disarm him. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem characterized the incident as “domestic terrorism.” However, conflicting evidence from bystander videos indicates that Pretti was holding his mobile phone and did not brandish a weapon at the time of the shooting. His family stated, “Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs,” highlighting discrepancies between official narratives and visual evidence.
Concerns about the administration’s immigration tactics are also surfacing within Republican circles. A seasoned strategist, who wished to remain anonymous, remarked that recent enforcement missteps have turned what was once a political advantage into “either a neutral issue or a net negative at best.” Overall, Trump’s approval ratings have plummeted to 38%, matching the lowest point of his presidency.
The controversy surrounding immigration enforcement in Minnesota has intensified following the death of another US citizen, Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent on March 1. Trump claimed Good “viciously ran over” the agent, yet video evidence contradicts this assertion, contributing to a growing pattern of distrust in federal accounts of such incidents.
Political repercussions are already emerging. Chris Madel, a Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, withdrew from the race, citing federal “retribution” against the state and labeling ICE operations an “unmitigated disaster.” The national discourse surrounding these incidents has led to widespread demonstrations in major cities and significant public outcry.
A GoFundMe campaign for Pretti’s family raised over $1 million within 24 hours, while the NBA postponed a game for the Minnesota Timberwolves due to safety concerns, observing moments of silence for both Pretti and Good.
In response to the mounting criticism, Trump has dispatched border czar Tom Homan to meet with Jacob Frey, the mayor of Minneapolis. Frey indicated that some federal agents would begin leaving the city, although he expressed a desire for a complete withdrawal.
As the congressional midterm elections approach, the current climate suggests that immigration enforcement could become a significant challenge for Republican candidates. The discrepancy between government statements and video evidence has eroded trust in federal narratives, prompting questions about whether current enforcement tactics align with professional standards.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll underscores a crucial distinction among Americans: while there is support for border security, there is growing skepticism about the methods employed to achieve such goals. This shift in public sentiment may reshape immigration discussions as the midterm elections approach, potentially transforming Trump’s once formidable electoral asset into a substantial liability.
