What people say about ICE
Core finding
Adults are more negative than positive toward ICE overall. About 56% describe their opinion as negative, while 31% describe it as positive.
The statement frames show why the issue is more cross-pressured than a single favorability number. About 44% agree that ICE protects Americans, while 54% agree that ICE threatens Americans.
Overall opinion leans negative
About 34% describe their view of ICE as extremely negative, and 56% are at least slightly negative overall.
Positive views are lower: about 31% describe their opinion as at least slightly positive.
Stacked breakdown
56% describe ICE negatively, compared with 31% positively.
n = 1,000 · May 11, 2026 · MoE ±3.3%
The protect frame is nearly split
Asked whether ICE protects Americans, adults divide closely. About 44% agree, while 43% disagree.
That split is not the same as the overall favorability result, which is more negative.
Stacked breakdown
44% agree that ICE protects Americans, while 43% disagree.
n = 504 · May 11, 2026 · MoE ±4.6%
The threat frame lands more strongly
A larger share agrees that ICE threatens Americans: about 54% agree with that statement, compared with 34% who disagree.
Together, the measures show a public view that is negative overall but still pulled between protection and threat language.
Stacked breakdown
54% agree that ICE threatens Americans.
n = 496 · May 11, 2026 · MoE ±4.7%
Methodology
Full methodology →| Mode | Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting |
|---|---|
| Population | US adults age 18+ |
| Field dates | May 11, 2026 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,000 |
| Margin of error | ±3.3% |
| Module | politics |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- reports.verasight.io/r/spsp26
How would you describe your opinion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in the U.S.?
- reports.verasight.io/r/spsp26
Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statement: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protects Americans.
Cite this topic
Verasight SPSP Omnibus Survey #2026-045, fielded May 11-11, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.3%.