President Donald Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is ramping up its enforcement activities nationwide, a development that carries significant political risks as the 2026 midterm elections near.

Under the new leadership of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, ICE faces renewed scrutiny over its immigration policies. Controversies surrounding the agency include debates about the criteria for arrests, fatal shootings during vehicle stops, and the treatment and deaths of detainees.

A July poll conducted by Economist/YouGov revealed that 54% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of immigration, with an equal percentage expressing little or no confidence in ICE. Additionally, 58% of respondents, including 63% of independents, believe ICE has used excessive force.

John Gannon, a lifelong Republican from Milwaukee County, Minnesota, expressed frustration with ICE’s actions, telling CBS News, “They didn’t tell us why.” He added that if given the choice, he would not vote for Trump again.

NBC News Politics reporter Natasha Korecki highlighted the challenging immigration politics confronting the Trump administration and the GOP in her recent coverage.

The intensification of ICE operations and the surrounding controversies are expected to play a significant role in the political discourse as primary election results come in and the midterms approach.

Sources