Public opinion in the United States is shifting against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency as advocates warn of a potential "inflection point" in the national debate over immigration policy. The shift follows growing outrage over the death of a U.S. citizen in Minnesota at the hands of an ICE agent. Several immigration experts stated at a Wednesday news conference in Washington, D.C., that lawmakers have a chance to enact reforms due to declining public approval of President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement policies.

The experts noted that Trump's mass deportation pledges, a key element of his successful 2024 re-election campaign, are now facing increased scrutiny. The incident in Minnesota, where a U.S. citizen was killed during an ICE operation, has further fueled public anger. Demonstrations, such as the "Stop ICE Terror" rally in Minneapolis on January 20, 2026, have taken place across the country, reflecting widespread discontent with the agency's tactics.

The debate over immigration enforcement in the U.S. has a long and complex history, marked by periods of both restrictive and more lenient policies. The establishment of ICE in 2003, following the September 11th attacks, consolidated immigration enforcement under the Department of Homeland Security. Since then, the agency has been responsible for identifying, arresting, and deporting undocumented immigrants, as well as combating human trafficking and other transnational crimes.

However, ICE's methods have often drawn criticism from human rights organizations and immigrant advocacy groups, who argue that the agency's actions have led to the separation of families, the detention of asylum seekers, and the violation of due process rights. These concerns have resonated internationally, with organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch issuing reports condemning U.S. immigration policies.

The current situation in the U.S. mirrors similar debates in other countries grappling with immigration challenges. In Europe, for example, the rise of nationalist movements has led to stricter border controls and increased deportations, while in Latin America, countries like Mexico and Colombia face the challenge of managing migration flows from Central America and the Caribbean.

The Trump administration has responded to the growing criticism of ICE by defending the agency's role in enforcing immigration laws and protecting national security. The president has also threatened to use the Insurrection Act in Minnesota, a move that would allow him to deploy federal troops to quell protests. The future of immigration policy in the U.S. remains uncertain, but the current shift in public opinion suggests that significant changes may be on the horizon. Lawmakers are expected to debate potential reforms in the coming weeks, with the outcome likely to have a profound impact on the lives of millions of immigrants and the broader American society.