New poll shows how NYC feels about ICE
ICE shootings spark protests nationwide
A deadly Immigration and Customs Enforcement shooting in Minneapolis that killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good has ignited protests across the United States. Demonstrators in cities from Minneapolis to Washington, D.C., have taken to the streets to demand accountability, challenge federal immigration enforcement and call for ICE to leave their communities. Federal officials have defended the agent’s actions as self-defense, while local leaders and protesters dispute that account and cite video evidence that contradicts it. The demonstrations reflect broad anger over the incident and growing concern about aggressive ICE operations nationwide.
NEW YORK - As the country grapples with federal immigration enforcement ramping up in parts of the country, New Yorkers are weighing in on enforcement policy.
What we know:
A new citywide poll released Monday shows a strong majority of voters oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and want local police to stay out of them.
Here's what the poll found:
More than half disagree with ICE raids
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 29: NYPD responds as immigration activists block a garage used by ICE vans during a protest against a purported ICE raid on Canal Street on November 29, 2025 in New York City. Activists assembled outside of a garage used
By the numbers:
The survey, conducted by the Honan Strategy Group, found that 67% of likely voters oppose ICE raids being conducted in New York City, while 32% support them.
More than half of voters, 55%, said ICE should stop conducting raids in the city altogether.
Voters showed little appetite for expanding enforcement.
Only 17% said ICE should increase raids in New York City, while 14% favored scaling back operations and 11% said raids should continue at current levels.
Support for NYC sanctuary laws
People march in protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) , after a U.S. immigration agent shot and killed a 37-year-old woman in her car in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States in New York City, New York, United States on January 7,
The survey also found broad support for New York City’s sanctuary laws, which limit cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities.
A majority of voters, 52%, said the New York Police Department should follow sanctuary restrictions and not assist ICE.
By contrast, 30% said the NYPD should fully cooperate with ICE during raids, and 17% supported limited involvement, such as crowd control.
Local perspective:
Concerns about public safety and community impact appear to be driving opposition to ICE raids.
Two-thirds of voters, 66%, said raids create fear and chaos and endanger immigrant communities.
Whereas, 30% said raids are necessary to enforce immigration laws and maintain order.
Featured
ICE says it conducted ‘targeted operation’ on Canal Street in NYC
Advocates claim 15 to 40 people were "abducted by ICE" and that two protesters believed to be U.S. citizens were also arrested.
NYPD involvement
When asked specifically about police involvement, 58% of voters said the NYPD should refuse to participate in raids to protect the city’s sanctuary laws.
On the other hand, 35% said police should assist ICE if federal agents request help.
NYC ICE poll
Methodology:
The poll surveyed 848 likely New York City general election voters from all political parties using a text-to-web methodology. Interviews were conducted from Dec. 4 to Dec. 12, 2025.
The survey was conducted independently by Honan Strategy Group and was not commissioned or funded by any political campaign, candidate or advocacy organization.
The Source: This report is based on information from Honan Strategy Group’s 5 Borough Barometer.