Washington, D.C. – A significant majority of Americans believe that the current enforcement actions undertaken by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in upholding immigration laws have “gone too far,” according to a new national poll.
The survey, conducted by PBS News, NPR, and Marist and published on July 1, 2025, reveals a complex and often divided public sentiment surrounding immigration enforcement and deportations, even as Congress contemplates increasing funding for interior enforcement measures.
Shifting Perspectives on ICE Actions
The poll results indicate that 54% of U.S. adults polled express the view that ICE’s actions have exceeded appropriate limits. This sentiment represents a notable shift in public perception regarding the intensity and scope of immigration law enforcement within the United States.
Conversely, a smaller segment of the population, 18%, feels that ICE has not gone far enough in its enforcement efforts. Another 26% believe the agency’s actions are “about right,” suggesting a considerable portion of the public sees the current level of enforcement as balanced.
The Partisan Divide on Enforcement
The poll highlights a stark contrast in opinions along political lines. Among Democrats surveyed, a substantial 83% believe that ICE’s actions have gone too far. Independents also largely align with this view, with 59% sharing the opinion that enforcement has been excessive.
Republicans, however, hold a distinctly different perspective. Nearly half of Republicans polled, 49%, consider ICE’s actions to be appropriate and “about right.” An additional 31% of Republicans believe the agency has not gone far enough in its enforcement of immigration laws, indicating a strong desire among this group for more stringent measures.
This partisan split underscores the deep divisions within the American electorate on immigration policy, particularly regarding the operational execution of enforcement by federal agencies like ICE.
Julia Gelatt, associate director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute, commented on the findings, noting that relatively few groups surveyed expressed the view that the administration hadn’t gone far enough in its enforcement efforts. This observation is particularly salient given the ongoing political debate surrounding border security and internal enforcement.
Strong Support for Deporting Violent Offenders
Despite the varied opinions on overall ICE enforcement, the poll reveals a strong area of bipartisan consensus: the deportation of immigrants without permanent legal status who have been convicted of a violent crime.
According to the survey, a commanding 80% of Americans either support or strongly support this specific measure. This includes overwhelming support across the political spectrum: over 90% of Republicans, 81% of independents, and 75% of Democrats agree on the necessity of deporting individuals who meet these criteria.
This level of agreement on targeting violent offenders contrasts sharply with the divisions seen on broader enforcement strategies, suggesting a potential avenue for bipartisan cooperation on specific aspects of immigration policy.
Policy Context and Public Perception of Safety
The release of these poll results comes at a critical juncture, as Congress is actively considering proposals to increase funding for interior immigration enforcement. These proposals often include calls for more ICE officers and expanded detention space, measures that directly relate to the public’s perception of current enforcement levels.
The poll also gauged public opinion on the effect of current deportation policies on national safety. When asked if these policies make the U.S. safer, less safe, or have no effect, Americans were divided:
* 43% of Americans believe current deportation policies make the nation safer.
* 33% believe they make it less safe.
* 24% believe they have no effect.
This divergence of views on the safety implications of enforcement adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate. While a plurality sees a positive impact on safety, a substantial minority perceives a negative one, and a quarter see no discernible effect.
The PBS News/NPR/Marist poll provides a detailed snapshot of American attitudes towards immigration enforcement in mid-2025, highlighting both deep partisan rifts on the overall intensity of ICE actions and broad consensus on the deportation of violent criminals. The findings are likely to inform ongoing policy discussions in Washington regarding the future direction and funding of immigration enforcement agencies.
