The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is facing increasing scrutiny from the American public, particularly following a violent incident in January 2026. A CBS News/YouGov poll conducted from January 14 to 16 revealed that 52 percent of respondents believe ICE is making communities less safe, while 61 percent feel the agency's tactics are excessively harsh. Additionally, 56 percent indicated that ICE is not focusing on dangerous criminals.

The public's discontent follows the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother, by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7, 2026. Good was shot in the head as she attempted to drive away after dropping her child off at school. The incident, captured on video, has sparked widespread outrage and protests against ICE's practices. Following Good's death, two-thirds of Americans expressed disapproval of the execution of the Trump administration's deportation program, despite mixed feelings regarding the president's overall immigration goals.

In response to the incident, anti-ICE protests erupted in over 500 cities across the United States, demanding accountability from the agency. Concerns have arisen among Trump administration officials, as internal polling indicates a majority of Americans do not support ICE's current tactics. A senior White House aide noted that while President Trump desires mass deportations, he is uneasy about the public perception of these actions.

The CBS poll also indicated that 54 percent of Americans believe the shooting of Good was unjustified, and 53 percent support reducing ICE's operations. Support for abolishing ICE has reportedly increased from 19 percent in September 2024 to 46 percent in January 2026, according to a separate poll from The Economist/YouGov.

Amid these developments, a Homeland Security whistleblower allegedly leaked the personal information of over 4,500 ICE and Border Patrol employees, further intensifying tensions surrounding the agency. The FBI has announced an investigation into the organizers and funders of the protests, citing claims of foreign involvement, although no evidence has been provided to substantiate these allegations.

In California, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) has proposed measures against ICE agents if elected governor. Swalwell stated he would instruct law enforcement to utilize all available legal avenues to prosecute ICE officials for offenses such as battery, false imprisonment, and murder. He emphasized that these agents would lose their legal immunity and suggested revoking their ability to drive, stating, "Good luck walking to work." Swalwell's remarks were made during his campaign to succeed California Governor Gavin Newsom (D). He has criticized ICE's actions under President Trump, particularly the agency's pursuit of immigrants in agricultural areas, and has proposed that ICE agents should be required to reveal their identities and face legal consequences for any crimes committed.

The ongoing public and political discourse surrounding ICE reflects broader concerns regarding the agency's practices and their implications for community safety and justice.