February 5, 2026
The Actions of ICE, February 2026
Americans Increasingly Disapprove of ICE's Actions
Americans have increasingly grown opposed to the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). About two-in-three Americans now say ICE’s actions in enforcing immigration laws have gone too far, and more than six in ten believe that ICE is reducing the safety and security of the American people. Overall, the agency scores low marks among Americans, with six in ten reporting they disapprove of the job ICE is doing. Nearly six in ten Americans also perceive the anti-ICE demonstrations around the country to be legitimate protests and not unlawful behavior. Democrats and independents drive opposition to ICE’s actions while Republicans remain supportive of the agency.
65% of Americans, up from 54% in June of 2025, think the actions of ICE have gone too far in enforcing immigration laws. 12%, down from 18%, say ICE’s actions have not gone far enough. And 22% say the actions of ICE are about right in enforcing immigration laws. This is down slightly from 26% previously.
Increasing proportions of Democrats (93% up from 83%) and independents (71% up from 59%) think the actions of ICE in enforcing immigration laws have gone too far. A plurality of Republicans (45%), notched down from 49%, say ICE's actions are about right. The proportion of Republicans who say ICE has gone too far has increased to 27% from 20%.
62% of Americans say the actions of ICE are making Americans somewhat less safe or much less safe. 37% think the actions of ICE are making Americans much more safe or somewhat more safe.
91% of Democrats and 68% of independents say ICE's action are making Americans somewhat less or much less safe. In fact, 80% of Democrats and 56% of independents believe ICE is making Americans much less safe. However, 77% of Republicans report the actions of ICE are making Americans much more safe or somewhat more safe. Included here are 52% of the GOP who believe the agency is making Americans much more safe.
Six in ten Americans (60%) disapprove of the job ICE is doing. 33% approve. Democrats (91%) overwhelmingly disapprove of the agency's performance, and 66% of independents agree. Nearly three in four Republicans (73%), though, approve of how ICE is doing its job.
Nearly six in ten Americans (59%) think the demonstrations around the country to oppose the actions of ICE are mostly legitimate protests. 40%, though. say the demonstrations are mostly people acting unlawfully. Again, stark partisan differences exist, with 85% of Democrats and 65% of independents reporting these demonstrations are mostly legitimate protests. 75% of Republicans say they are mostly people acting unlawfully.
Lowering Prices Should be Administration’s Top Priority, According to a Majority
54% of Americans think lowering prices should be the top priority for the Trump Administration. Controlling immigration follows with 22%. One in ten Americans (10%) say reducing crime should be White House’s top priority. Securing peace in Gaza (7%), eliminating drug trafficking from Venezuela (4%), and U.S. ownership of Greenland (2%) receive single digits.
Seven in ten Democrats (70%) and almost six in ten independents (58%) think lowering prices should be the focus of the Trump Administration. A plurality of Republicans (44%), though, assert controlling immigration should be the Administration’s top priority. Lowering prices follows among Republicans with 32%.
Majority Thinks Tariffs are Harmful to the National Economy
56% of Americans say placing tariffs or fees on imported products from other countries hurts the U.S. economy. 31% say tariffs help the economy. 12% report tariffs do not make much difference either way. Democrats (87%) and independents (63%) are more likely than Republicans (20%) to say tariffs hurt the economy. About two in three Republicans (66%) say tariffs benefit the national economy.
Majority with Favorable Impression of NATO… Membership Benefits U.S., Say Nearly Two-Thirds
56% of residents nationally have a favorable opinion of NATO. 20% have an unfavorable impression of the alliance, and 24% have either never heard of NATO or are unsure how to rate it. 69% of Democrats and 60% of independents perceive NATO positively. Among Republicans, 46% have a favorable view of NATO, and 30% have an unfavorable one.
66% of Americans say the U.S. benefits a great deal or good amount from being a member of NATO. 33% say the U.S. benefits not very much or not at all from being a NATO member. While 82% of Democrats and 71% of independents perceive the advantages of NATO, Republicans divide. 49% of the GOP believe the U.S. benefits a great deal or a good amount from being a member of NATO while 49% say the U.S. benefits not very much or not at all from the relationship with NATO.
U.S. Ownership of Greenland? Opposition Among Americans Exists
More than two in three Americans (67%) either oppose or strongly oppose the United States trying to take control of Greenland. 32% either strongly support or support such a measure. Widespread opposition exists among Democrats (93%), including 74% who say they strongly oppose the U.S. acquiring Greenland. Among independents, 75% oppose the U.S. trying to take control of Greenland, including 52% who strongly oppose U.S. ownership of Greenland. In contrast, 68% of Republicans either strongly support or support trying to take control of the nation. Included here are 22% of Republicans who strongly support taking control of Greenland.
More Than Seven in Ten Think the President Should Have to Consult Congress Before Taking Military Action
72% of residents nationally, including 93% of Democrats and 77% of independents, say the President should have to consult Congress before taking military action. 28% of Americans, including 58% of Republicans, think Congress does not need to be consulted.
President Trump’s Approval Rating at 39%… Negative Rating on Economy Reaches New High
Nearly four in ten Americans (39%) approve of the job President Trump is doing in office, comparable to 38% in January. 56% disapprove, and 5% are unsure. Slightly more than one in four Americans (26%) strongly approve of the job President Trump is doing while 51% strongly disapprove.
When thinking about the economy, 36% of Americans approve of how the President is handling the issue while 59% disapprove. The proportion of Americans who disapprove of how the President is handling the economy has inched up from 57% in January and is at its highest point in either of the President’s two administrations.
On the issue of foreign policy, 36% approve of President Trump’s approach. 56% disapprove. These ratings are nearly identical to those the President received in January.
Methodology
This NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll national survey of 1,462 adults was conducted January 27th through January 30th, 2026, by the Marist Poll in partnership with NPR and PBS News. Adults 18 years of age and older residing in the United States were contacted through a multi-mode design: By phone using live interviewers, by text, or online. Results for all adults (n= 1,462) are statistically significant within ±2.9 percentage points. Results for registered voters (n=1,326) are statistically significant within ±3.0 percentage points. For full methodology and tables, click on the Survey Data button below.