When this poll was conducted in late February 2026, immigration agents had recently concluded
Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. During that and other operations, there were complaints of ICE agents sometimes operating in plain clothes or only with generic “Police” labels. Federal officials have said such practices can be necessary for tactical or safety reasons, such as conducting operations without drawing attention. Critics argue that when immigration agents do not clearly identify themselves as ICE, it can create confusion for anyone else on the scene and make accountability more difficult.