President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement strategy, once hailed as the cornerstone of his second-term agenda, now threatens to become a significant political liability following deadly shootings in Minneapolis. The fatal shooting of nurse Alex Pretti marks the second U.S. citizen killed this month during protests against militarized immigration raids, generating widespread public outrage and forcing the administration into a defensive position.
Recent polling data reveals growing discomfort with the administration’s methods, even among traditional Republican supporters. A Siena/New York Times poll indicates 61% of Americans believe ICE tactics have ‘gone too far,’ while a subsequent YouGov survey shows 46% now support abolishing the agency entirely. This shift in public sentiment has alarmed Republican strategists ahead of crucial midterm elections.
The backlash has extended to Trump’s allies, with influential voices like podcaster Joe Rogan comparing ICE raids to Nazi Germany’s Gestapo and Texas Governor Greg Abbott urging a recalibration of approach in Minnesota. In response, Trump has dispatched border officials to the state and adopted a more conciliatory tone with local Democratic leaders.
Beyond immigration, Trump faces declining approval on multiple fronts. Polls show eroding support among key demographic groups that secured his 2024 victory, including Hispanic, Black, and young voters. A Pew Research Center survey reveals 65% of Hispanic voters reject his anti-immigration policies, while 61% express dissatisfaction with his economic approach.
The political fallout has already manifested in Minnesota’s gubernatorial race, where Republican Chris Madel withdrew, citing national Republicans making statewide victories ‘nearly impossible.’ With control of Congress hanging in the balance, Republican lawmakers find themselves torn between their MAGA base and growing mainstream opposition to the administration’s enforcement methods.