U.S. Border Patrol Gains Net +3 Approval Rating Amid Endless Smears and Attacks, According to Latest YouGov Poll
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The United States Border Patrol has achieved a net positive approval rating of +3 points, according to the latest YouGov poll published on January 25, 2026, with 45% favorable opinions versus 42% unfavorable.
This result comes amid intense criticism and smears from progressive media outlets and left-wing activists, yet it demonstrates that the American public firmly supports the enforcement of immigration laws.
The YouGov survey, conducted among 3,834 American adults, shows that efforts to abolish agencies like ICE have not taken hold, with more Americans supporting major changes while still maintaining confidence in the Border Patrol to secure the borders.
On the contrary, Americans prioritize border security and support mass deportations, rejecting the victimhood narratives that attempt to portray agents as oppressors.
This popular support occurs in a context of high tension following the shooting in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, where a Border Patrol agent killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during an immigration operation.
The incident—the second in the city this month—has sparked massive protests and calls to investigate federal tactics.
Both Renee Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti had something in common: both were victims of deceptive narratives promoted by the left, which painted illegal immigrants—even criminals—as innocent victims and ICE or Border Patrol agents as the “boogeymen.”
Both listened to and were influenced by the inflammatory rhetoric of figures such as Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, who have repeatedly labeled ICE a “modern Gestapo” and have promoted sanctuary policies that obstruct federal operations.
These politicians should be held accountable for their incendiary discourse. If it were not for their rhetoric encouraging interference, tailing, and confrontation with agents—which has contributed to an unprecedented 1,300% increase in assaults on ICE officers and a 3,200% increase in vehicular attacks, according to DHS reports—both American citizens would still be alive.
The promotion of “sanctuary” cities and constant criticism of immigration law enforcement has emboldened dangerous confrontations, putting innocent lives at risk while undermining national security.
As a result of all this, several of Minnesota’s leading companies and professional sports teams, such as Target, Best Buy, and UnitedHealth Group, issued a joint statement calling for “an immediate de-escalation” and urging all parties to “work together to find real solutions.”
The open letter, signed by more than 60 CEOs and published by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, responds to “yesterday’s tragic news” and emphasizes cooperation to restore peace and allow families, businesses, and communities to move forward.
The letter highlights that Minnesota’s business community has been working discreetly with federal officials, the White House, and local mayors to advance real solutions, and reaffirms its historic commitment to a strong and vibrant state.
This collective call comes at a moment when the left is radicalizing protests, but the business community chooses moderation and dialogue.
Despite the pressures and chaos promoted by certain sectors, the YouGov poll confirms the resilience of border security agencies: the American people value order and law enforcement over disorder and impunity.
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