Trump reportedly flinches at Minneapolis ICE shooting
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Donald Trump has expressed grave reservations about the optics for his immigration crackdown after an ICE agent shot dead a protester in Minneapolis last week. Renee Good, 37, was killed during the crackdown that has seen thousands of ICE officers flood the Twin Cities, yanking people from cars and homes while confronting angry protesters demanding they leave. White House aides are privately worried that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's tactics are eroding public support, with prominent conservative voices Joe Rogan and Megyn Kelly criticizing the administration's handling.

Donald Trump has voiced significant concerns about the public perception surrounding his administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement after a tragic incident in Minneapolis. Last week, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old protester, amid a campaign that has inundated the Twin Cities with ICE officers. These officers have been forcibly extracting individuals from vehicles and homes, clashing with demonstrators who demand their withdrawal. Within the White House, aides are apprehensive that the methods employed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem are diminishing public backing. Notably, conservative figures like Joe Rogan and Megyn Kelly have criticized the administration’s approach.

Trump Worries About the Optics of ICE Clashes 

Trump has even admitted that it 'looks bad' and wants to see ICE agents conducting deportations not fighting with protesters, according to a report from Axios. 'I wouldn't say he's concerned about the policy,' said a top Trump adviser. 'He wants deportations. He wants mass deportations. What he doesn't want is what people are seeing. 'He doesn't like the way it looks. It looks bad, so he's expressed some discomfort at that… There's the right way to do this. And this doesn't look like the right way to a lot of people.'

According to an Axios report, Trump has acknowledged that the situation “looks bad” and prefers ICE officers to focus on deportations rather than confrontations with protesters. A senior adviser to Trump stated, “He isn’t bothered by the policy itself; he desires deportations, especially on a large scale. However, he is displeased with the current optics. It’s not about the deportations themselves but how they are being perceived. This isn’t the right way to many.”

Trump has been shown private polling that shows independent, moderate, and minority voters are losing support for the crackdown. Those voters were key to his 2024 victory and will be essential in the 2026 midterms. The internal GOP poll found 60 percent of independents and 58 percent of undecideds believe Trump is 'too focused' on deportations. The survey also found 33 percent believed he is deporting mostly law-abiding people, not criminals.

Private polling data presented to Trump reveals a decline in support from independent, moderate, and minority voters—groups critical to his 2024 success and vital for the 2026 midterms. An internal Republican poll indicates that 60% of independents and 58% of undecided voters think Trump is excessively focused on deportations. Additionally, 33% believe that the deportation efforts are targeting primarily law-abiding individuals rather than criminals.

Public Confidence in ICE Plummets Nationwide 

Under Noem, ICE's reputation has tanked with most Americans. CNN and YouGov polling also found that most Americans believe the agency was making cities less safe with their immigration crackdown operations. Meanwhile, ICE is not receiving support from state and local leaders in Minnesota who have called on the public to resist the immigration crackdown. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the situation 'not sustainable.' Federal agents have fired tear gas and flash bangs during nightly street battles, while protesters have launched fireworks back.

Under Noem, ICE’s reputation has tanked with most Americans. CNN and YouGov polling also found that most Americans believe the agency was making cities less safe with their immigration crackdown operations. Meanwhile, ICE is not receiving support from state and local leaders in Minnesota who have called on the public to resist the immigration crackdown. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the situation ‘not sustainable.’ Federal agents have fired tear gas and flash bangs during nightly street battles, while protesters have launched fireworks back.

Governor Tim Walz branded it an 'occupation' and said agents were 'kidnapping people for no reason.' Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche accused Frey and Walz of inciting an 'insurrection.' 'It's disgusting. Walz and Frey - I'm focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary. This is not a threat. It's a promise,' Blanche wrote on X last night. Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy US troops to Minneapolis to allow deportations to continue.

Governor Tim Walz branded it an ‘occupation’ and said agents were ‘kidnapping people for no reason.’ Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche accused Frey and Walz of inciting an ‘insurrection.’ ‘It’s disgusting. Walz and Frey – I’m focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary. This is not a threat. It’s a promise,’ Blanche wrote on X last night. Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy US troops to Minneapolis to allow deportations to continue.

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