As immigration policies under Donald Trump come under increasing scrutiny, a recent poll reveals a notable shift among Republican voters regarding the immunity of ICE agents from state prosecution. The poll, conducted by the Democracy Institute in conjunction with The Mirror US, indicates that a majority of Republican respondents believe that ICE agents should not be granted such legal protections.
The controversy stems from the case of Jonathan Ross, an ICE agent involved in the shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, in Minneapolis. Vice President JD Vance previously stated that Ross had “absolute immunity” from prosecution, a claim that has sparked debate. While legal immunity for federal agents like those in ICE is complex, the poll results show a significant number of voters disagree with the current standard.
According to the poll, conducted with 1,360 respondents, 53% of those surveyed do not believe ICE agents should be immune from state prosecution, while 36% support the concept. Among party lines, there is a stark contrast: 61% of Democrats oppose immunity, while 32% are in favor. In comparison, Republican voters are more divided, with 46% opposing immunity and 42% supporting it, reflecting a growing rift within the GOP as discontent with Trump’s policies rises.
The poll also examined public opinion regarding the circumstances surrounding Good’s death. A slim majority, 51%, believe she was not attempting to harm Ross, while 48% think he is guilty of murder. Conversely, 37% believe Good was trying to kill Ross, and 40% view him as not guilty.
In addition to opinions on immunity, voters expressed mixed feelings about whether ICE agents should wear masks while on duty and the agency’s presence in major U.S. cities. The poll results indicate a split, suggesting varying perspectives on immigration enforcement strategies.
The survey also addressed Trump’s controversial proposal regarding Greenland. A significant majority of voters, 58%, oppose the idea of a military takeover of the territory, with 45% of Republicans and 68% of Democrats against it. The majority of both parties strongly opposed the use of military force, with 54% of Republicans and 73% of Democrats rejecting such an approach.
The findings from this poll highlight a critical moment for the Republican Party, as voter sentiment increasingly diverges from the administration’s stance on key issues, particularly immigration enforcement. The evolving perspectives within the party may have implications for future electoral strategies and policy decisions.
