Most voters say they don’t trust the Trump administration’s account of a fatal shooting involving federal agents, according to a new national poll.
A Quinnipiac University survey finds that 61% of registered voters believe the administration has not given an honest account of the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, while 25% say it has.
The shooting, which occurred more than a week before the poll, sparked widespread concern. Nearly 8 in 10 voters said they have seen video of the incident.
An overwhelming 80% of voters said there should be an independent investigation into the shooting. Only 15% said an independent probe is unnecessary.
“We need more facts and an independent investigation is the way to get them,” said Quinnipiac University polling analyst Tim Malloy.
Voters also questioned whether the shooting itself was justified. Sixty-two percent said it was not justified, while 22% said it was. The rest did not offer an opinion.
The poll found broader concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Fifty-nine percent of voters said recent ICE-involved shootings in Minneapolis point to systemic problems, not isolated incidents.
Public approval of ICE enforcement remains low. Just 34% of voters approve of how ICE enforces immigration laws, while 63% disapprove. That marks a decline from January, when approval stood at 40%.
Six in 10 voters said ICE should withdraw from Minneapolis. A similar share supports recent protests against ICE operations.
Voters also expressed strong views on accountability. Ninety-two percent said ICE agents should be required to wear body cameras, and 61% said agents should not be allowed to wear masks or face coverings.
The poll also shows deep dissatisfaction with Homeland Security leadership. Fifty-eight percent of voters said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem should be removed from her post, compared to 34% who said she should remain.
President Donald Trump’s overall job approval stood at 37%, with 56% disapproving. Majorities also disapproved of his handling of the economy, immigration, and foreign policy.
On immigration more broadly, 60% of voters said the administration treats undocumented immigrants too harshly. Fifty-one percent said its approach makes the country less safe.
Nearly half of voters said they personally know someone living in fear because of current deportation policies.
Quinnipiac surveyed 1,191 registered voters nationwide between Jan. 29 and Feb. 2. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].