President Donald Trump is reportedly expressing private concerns regarding the operational methods of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the aftermath of a fatal shooting incident in Minneapolis. The incident, which resulted in the death of 37-year-old Renee Good, occurred during an extensive ICE operation that introduced thousands of federal agents into the Twin Cities area.
"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."
The crackdown encompassed robust enforcement actions and has led to nightly confrontations with activists involving tear gas, flash bangs, and fireworks. Sources familiar with the internal White House discussions reveal that President Trump, despite his strong support for mass deportations, is increasingly uncomfortable with the unfolding events and their portrayal to the public.
An adviser to the President disclosed that while the President advocates for deportations, he is critical of the negative imagery disseminated through media coverage. The adviser stated, “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.”
This growing unease comes as internal GOP polling indicates a waning of support among key demographic groups that were instrumental in President Trump's 2024 victory. The data shows that 60% of independents and 58% of undecided voters believe the President's focus on deportations is excessive. Furthermore, a third of those polled feel that ICE is primarily targeting law-abiding individuals instead of violent criminals.
The leadership of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is also under scrutiny, with some White House aides concerned that her aggressive tactics are diminishing public trust in ICE. The situation has been exacerbated by criticism from high-profile conservative voices such as podcast host Joe Rogan and commentator Megyn Kelly.
Public sentiment mirrors these concerns, with CNN and YouGov surveys indicating that a majority of Americans perceive ICE's actions as contributing to less safety in cities. In Minnesota, the Democratic leadership has openly challenged the federal operation. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey labeled the situation "not sustainable," while Governor Tim Walz described ICE's presence as an "occupation," accusing agents of unwarranted detentions.
In response to the local leaders' resistance, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche accused them of inciting an insurrection and suggested a forceful federal response. Amidst the unrest, President Trump has publicly contemplated invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow for the deployment of U.S. troops to Minneapolis to ensure the continuation of deportations.
Despite the public rhetoric, aides intimate that President Trump is concentrating efforts on moderating the visual aspects of the ICE operations, while maintaining that the underlying policy remains non-negotiable.
