Minnesotans Speak Out: Survey Reveals Strong Disapproval of Federal Immigration Enforcement Operations
A recent poll conducted by KARE 11, NBC News Decision Desk, and the Minnesota Star Tribune, powered by SurveyMonkey, revealed that the majority of Minnesotans are against the federal immigration enforcement operations in the state. The survey, conducted following the launch of Operation Metro Surge and the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in January, showed strong disapproval of ICE's tactics and approach among Minnesotans.
The poll indicated that most Minnesotans are critical of how ICE is handling its job, with 63% expressing disapproval. Additionally, 67% of respondents believe that undocumented immigrants should be given the opportunity to apply for legal status, while 33% think they should be deported.
Opinions were divided on whether local law enforcement agencies should cooperate with federal immigration authorities, with 38% saying they should always cooperate, 47% saying they should cooperate in some cases, and 15% saying they should never cooperate. Furthermore, 66% of Minnesotans felt that ICE and Border Patrol agents have gone too far in their actions.
The survey also revealed that a majority of Minnesotans disapprove of federal agents wearing masks during immigration enforcement actions (62%) and would like to see changes to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, with 43% calling for reform, 26% for abolition, and 31% for maintaining the current form.
The poll highlighted the public sentiment regarding the deadly shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents, with 72% of respondents calling for an investigation into the agent who shot Renee Nicole Good and 74% for the agent who shot Alex Pretti. Additionally, 88% of Minnesotans believe that federal officers should not be granted immunity from prosecution for unlawful activity.
While only a fraction of Minnesotans have directly participated in protests or immigrant assistance efforts, the survey showed that 59% support the protests against ICE happening nationwide. The blame for clashes between federal agents and protesters in Minnesota was largely placed on the Trump administration by 58% of respondents.
Overall, the poll captured the strong opposition among Minnesotans towards federal immigration enforcement operations and the calls for accountability and transparency in the wake of recent events.