President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, especially the handling of ICE operations in Minneapolis, are now being described as a “political disaster” for his administration, according to CNN’s chief data analyst Harry Enten.
His comments follow two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents, with growing anger across the country.
Enten, known for breaking down polling trends on CNN, pointed to sharply falling approval ratings for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), particularly under the leadership of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
“I mean, ICE’s net approval rating during Trump’s terms … after Minneapolis, it’s even lower. Minus‑27 points on the net approval rating of ICE,” Enten said during a segment about the latest polling. He noted that public support for DHS’s performance has also dropped significantly from earlier years.
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In 2017, around 59% of Americans rated DHS as doing an “excellent/good job,” but by late 2025 that figure had fallen to 42%, Enten explained. He also highlighted Noem’s own unpopularity in surveys, saying her net approval has been negative in “every single poll” he reviewed.
At the center of the dispute is Operation Metro Surge, an ICE operation that started in Minneapolis in December 2025. Federal agents were sent in to carry out arrests and deportations..
Soon after that operation began, two U.S. citizens were shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. On January 7, 37-year-old Renée Good was killed during an ICE enforcement action, and on January 24, 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti was shot and died during another operation.
Good, a mother of three, was shot by an ICE agent on January 7. Days later, Minneapolis rallied in protest, leading to a general strike and massive demonstrations across the state.
Pretti, who worked as a nurse and cared for veterans, was killed on January 24 during another operation. The circumstances of his death have been disputed, with video showing him near federal agents just prior to the shooting.
The fallout spread quickly beyond Minnesota. State Attorney General Keith Ellison blasted the federal version of events, calling it “flat out insane.” He said the state will move to hold federal agents accountable.
In Washington, Senator Jacky Rosen went further. She accused DHS Secretary Kristi Noem of losing control of ICE and said her leadership has caused real harm. Rosen called for Noem to be impeached and removed.
Amid the backlash, Trump has responded by reshuffling leadership. He appointed border czar Tom Homan to oversee ICE operations in Minneapolis, a sign the administration is trying to regain control of a situation that has damaged public confidence.
Featured image via YouTube screengrab
