Deadly ICE raids in Minneapolis put Trump on defensive as polls show voter disapproval over tactics, threatening his party in upcoming midterm elections.
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s signature immigration crackdown faces mounting public backlash following fatal shootings during protests in Minneapolis.
The death of nurse Alex Pretti marks the second US citizen killed this month by federal agents during demonstrations against militarised immigration raids.
Outrage over the incidents has forced Trump onto the defensive regarding a core policy pledge from his 2024 re-election campaign.
Recent polls indicate declining approval for the 79-year-old president’s overall performance and specific unease with Immigration and Customs Enforcement methods.
A Siena/New York Times poll found 61% of respondents believe ICE tactics have “gone too far”, a figure that increased over the past year.
Professor Garret Martin of American University noted a shift in public focus from immigration policy to scrutiny of ICE’s conduct.
“Influential voices like podcaster Joe Rogan have compared ICE raids to the Gestapo, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott urged a recalibration in Minnesota.”
Trump responded by adopting a more conciliatory tone with local Democrat leaders and dispatching his border chief to the state.
Multiple polls show Trump losing support among key demographic groups that contributed to his 2024 victory, including Hispanic, Black and young voters.
A Pew Research Center survey revealed 65% of Hispanic voters reject the president’s anti-immigration policies.
The president threatened to sue the New York Times over its recent poll and suggested criminalising what he called “fake” surveys.
Minnesota Republican Chris Madel withdrew from the governor’s race, citing damage from national Republican strategies.
November’s midterm elections traditionally serve as a referendum on the incumbent president, risking Republican control of Congress.
Professor Martin concluded that Republican lawmakers are trapped between a disaffected general public and Trump’s loyal “Make America Great Again” base.
