• Republicans overwhelmingly believe shooting justified at 77%; large majority of Democrats, 92%, Independents, 59%, say it was not justified

ANKARA

A nationwide poll showed 57% of registered American voters disapprove of how the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is enforcing immigration laws.

The poll by Quinnipiac University in Connecticut was conducted between Jan. 8 and 12, with approximately 1,000 registered voters.

The findings, released roughly six months after a similar survey in July, reflect little meaningful change in public sentiment.

On the question about a recent fatal shooting involving an ICE agent in the state of Minnesota, 53% viewed it as unjustified, 35% saw it as justified, and 12% offered no opinion.

Republicans overwhelmingly believe the shooting was justified at 77%, while a majority of Democrats, 92%, and Independents, 59%, said it was not justified.

Men are divided, with 42% believing the shooting was justified and 44% saying it was not. Among women, 30% think the shooting was justified, while 61% believe it was not.

The results said 82% of respondents reported having seen footage of the shooting in Minneapolis.

Homeland Security Secretary Noem's approval

The survey also revealed declining approval for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Thirty-six percent approve of her job performance, 52% disapprove and 12% offered no opinion -- a slight drop from 39% approval and 50% disapproval in the July poll.

Republicans strongly back Noem at 77%, while Democrats disapprove overwhelmingly at 85% and Independents were at 57%.

Noem has faced criticism for her handling of ICE operations, including accusations of displaying a cold demeanor and only partial empathy in statements following high-profile incidents.

Minneapolis ICE shooting

The shooting occurred Jan. 7, when ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, an American, during an immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis.

Good, who had recently moved to the area and lived with her partner and young child, encountered agents while reportedly supporting neighbors amid an immigration sweep.

Videos from multiple angles, including bodycam and bystander footage, showed Good in her SUV, stopped diagonally on a residential street, before the encounter escalated.

Public reactions to the videos have varied significantly. Some viewers interpret certain angles as showing the agent in a vulnerable or overpowered position immediately before the confrontation, while others emphasize the sequence of events and Good's non-aggressive demeanor before the gunfire.

The shooting has triggered widespread protests, memorials and demands for accountability, with local leaders condemning ICE actions and federal officials defending the agent's response as self-defense.