By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A new poll from The Economist and YouGov reveals a notable rise in Republican support for abolishing ICE, increasing from 15% to 19% in a matter of weeks. This shift follows increasing scrutiny of ICE’s actions, including fatal shootings by agents and a record number of deaths in custody during 2025. The poll, conducted in late January, also highlights significant support for abolition among Democrats, and further fuels the debate with Democratic politicians like Congressman Shri Thanedar introducing the Abolish ICE Act. The issue has gained considerable attention, with state officials and numerous other politicians also voicing their support for abolition.
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Support for abolishing ICE surges among Republicans, and it’s something that has, understandably, generated a lot of discussion. The core of it all is that a new poll indicates a rise in Republican support for abolishing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
The numbers show that in early January, around 15% of Republicans favored abolishing ICE. Now, according to the poll, that number has climbed to 19%. While this is a statistically significant change, it’s also clear that it represents a small percentage of Republicans, leading some to question whether a 4% increase truly warrants the term “surge.” It’s reasonable to acknowledge that this could be a reflection of the margin of error in the poll.
The discussion also explores potential motivations behind this shift. One argument suggests that some Republicans may be turning against ICE because of public clashes between immigration officers and individuals. The actions of ICE are now under greater scrutiny, and the public is more aware of its practices.
The impact of high-profile incidents, such as the killing of white individuals, may be creating a political environment where Republicans are questioning the role and methods of ICE. This is based on the idea that the political climate has shifted due to the recent events that call for concern.
However, there is also skepticism. Some people point out that a 19% level of support, even if it is an increase from a previous figure, is not enough to truly reflect a significant shift in overall Republican sentiment. They also note that a lot of Republicans remain firmly opposed to any changes that weaken immigration enforcement. This suggests that the current trend, while interesting, might not necessarily signal a complete overhaul in the party’s stance.
There’s a concern that even if some Republicans support abolishing ICE, any replacement agencies or policies will just be the same thing under a different name, with some of the same people involved. The issue is seen by some as not only about ICE itself, but also about the underlying policies and individuals driving those policies.
The discussion touches on the role of specific individuals, such as Stephen Miller, in shaping ICE’s practices. It is claimed that some believe that abolishing ICE won’t solve the underlying problems as long as these driving figures are still setting the tone for immigration enforcement.
There’s a sentiment among some that defunding or abolishing ICE is not a solution, but a tool in the hands of bad actors. They suggest the focus needs to be on the individuals who dictate ICE’s mandates.
This debate also extends to the actions of the agency and the training and accountability of its personnel. There are claims of inadequate training, a lack of oversight, and even moral and ethical failings within the organization. Some people feel the agency has grown too powerful and that those at the top have handed power to “adolescent cosplay soldiers.”
The political implications of this shift are also explored. Some commentators express deep distrust of the Republican party, expressing skepticism that a small increase in support translates into tangible action.
The sentiment that abolishing ICE would go hand in hand with getting rid of Trump is also brought up, further linking the agency’s fate to broader political dynamics. This view stems from the idea that ICE was built by the Trump administration.
Ultimately, whether this is a genuine shift in Republican sentiment or just a small blip in public opinion is something to watch closely. The conversation around ICE continues to be a complex one, touching upon policy, politics, and the very nature of law enforcement in the U.S.