More Americans Than Ever Support Abolishing ICE. Can't Imagine Why.
Well, color me surprised. The government agency responsible for killing at least three U.S. civilians, deporting a baby hours after he was hospitalized, leaving a blind refugee for dead—among dozens of other horrific human rights violations—is polling badly in 2026. Sounds like someone else I know…
According to a new poll by YouGov and the Economist, about 50% of Americans now support abolishing ICE—a record high. Support remains strongest among Democrats (77 %), but it has also grown substantially among Independents (52 %) and reached a new peak among Republicans (23 %). So it seems like the Department of Homeland Security’s recent decision to hire a Nazi artist didn’t pay off.
Opposition to abolishing the agency has also fallen to an all-time low. While a majority of Republicans (68%) still oppose it, only 39% of Americans overall do.
NEW YouGov poll:
Abolishing ICE is now at a *record high* level of support in the United States50% support
39% opposeIndependents are now +17 on abolishing ICE
Moderates +623% of Republicans now support abolishing ICE
— Prem Thakker ツ (@premthakker.bsky.social) March 3, 2026 at 7:29 PM
The data also found that most Americans are in favor of making ICE agents more visible, thereby more accountable, with 75% saying they should be required to wear identifiable uniforms, and 59% saying they should not be allowed to wear masks to conceal their faces. Barring another pathetic fold from Democrats, this could actually happen in the near future.
On Wednesday, DHS entered the 19th day of a shutdown, which began in mid-February after Dems refused to approve a DHS appropriations bill without reforms to curb immigration enforcement. Most recently, on Tuesday, Dems turned down the GOP’s attempt to use Trump’s attack on Iran to fund the agency, with Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) saying, “I don’t think the two relate.”
YouGov and The Economist asked similar questions in 2018, 2019, and two times in 2025, and the polls show that support for abolishing ICE has been growing even before this year. The agency’s declining favorability mirrors its head honcho, Kristi Noem, aka ICE Barbie, who spent Tuesday and Wednesday being grilled by senators and representatives over how horribly she’s managed the department.
During her hearing, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) accused DHS for “routinely violating the civil rights of Americans.” “Either you are utterly incompetent, or violating our rights with impunity,” he said. “You should step down, or be removed by this president and if not, Congress should impeach you.” From his lips to god’s ears.
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