MINNEAPOLIS — A tragic shooting in Minneapolis has thrust President Donald Trump into a critical moment of his presidency, with public opinion turning sharply against his administration’s immigration enforcement tactics.

On Saturday afternoon, immigration officers shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, an event that sparked widespread outrage across the nation. A subsequent shooting of Renee Good by similar forces intensified the backlash. According to an exclusive Daily Mail/JL Partners poll, Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 45%, tying his lowest mark in this survey, while 55% of Americans disapprove of his performance, particularly on immigration policy.

The poll also reveals that 53% of voters view the Minneapolis events as a pivotal moment in their perception of Trump’s leadership. This includes a striking 39% of Republicans. Behind the scenes, officials note Trump’s frustration that his border security achievements, which helped him win all seven swing states 14 months ago, are not resonating with the public.

Public Backlash Targets ICE Tactics

The poll identifies the aggressive approach of ICE as the top reason for disapproval, with 28% of Americans citing it as their main concern, a jump of 10 points since before Saturday’s incident, The Daily Caller reported. News coverage of armed ICE operatives arresting undocumented workers has fueled public discontent. It’s no surprise that 55% now view ICE unfavorably, a stark drop of 12 points since November.

Even among Republicans, nearly one in four hold a negative view of ICE, and 60% of all Americans, including three in ten from the GOP, call the agency’s actions “overreaching.” That term hits hard when you see 53% demanding an end to ICE raids in cities, and 47% supporting the idea of disbanding the agency entirely. This isn’t just a policy debate—it’s a gut punch to Trump’s signature issue.

Immigration has defined Trump’s political brand for a decade, yet only 39% approve of his handling of it, against 47% who disapprove. When 33% blame the “Trump administration” directly for Minneapolis, and just 32% view ICE favorably, the numbers paint a grim picture. The public isn’t buying the current enforcement playbook.

Trump’s Response and Internal Tensions

On Monday, Trump met for two hours with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in the Oval Office to address the crisis. He also dispatched border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis and reassigned Greg Bovino, a high-profile immigration official known for tough tactics, out of the city. These moves suggest a scramble to contain the fallout.

Yet, internal rifts are apparent, as Noem pushes for broad, publicized operations to detain unauthorized migrants, while Homan focuses on targeting serious offenders, often dubbed the “worst of the worst.” Their apparent disagreement on strategy only muddies the waters further. The poll hints at public support for Homan’s narrower focus, with 48% favoring enforcement aimed at criminals over the current sweeping approach.

What should Trump do next? A whopping 63% of Americans want him to launch an investigation into the Minneapolis shootings, while only 22% think he should defend the officers involved. Even on Noem’s role, 42% to 28% say she should be removed from her post.

Broader Political Risks Loom

The Minneapolis turmoil isn’t just a standalone crisis—it’s dragging down Trump’s numbers across the board. On the economy, only 36% approve of his handling, with 51% disapproving; on inflation, it’s 33% to 53%; and healthcare and foreign policy fare no better. These figures signal a presidency under siege on multiple fronts.

Even core Republican supporters show cracks, with 21% feeling gun rights aren’t secure under Trump, especially after Noem’s comments that Pretti, a licensed gun carrier, shouldn’t have been armed at an anti-ICE protest. Only 43% of Republicans agree the shooting was justified. That’s a startling fracture in a party usually lockstep on Second Amendment issues.

With midterm elections approaching in November, the ICE controversy could energize Democratic turnout, risking Republican control of the House. The specter of a third impeachment looms if the political winds shift further. Trump’s legacy hangs in a delicate balance as a result.

Can Trump Turn the Tide?

Historical parallels aren’t kind—presidents like Joe Biden after Afghanistan, Jimmy Carter during the Iran hostage crisis, and George W. Bush post-Katrina never recovered from their defining missteps. Trump faces a similar “turning point,” as the poll frames it, with 53% of voters seeing Minneapolis as a personal shift in their views. The question is whether he’ll recognize the gravity before it’s too late.

Rumors about Trump’s health as he nears 80 add another layer of uncertainty, though administration officials insist on tales of his near-superhuman resilience. But optics matter, and ongoing coverage of heavy-handed ICE actions, like those seen at the “ICE out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom” protest on January 23, keeps the pressure on. Public patience is wearing thin.

Trump has fulfilled his border security promises, yet the Minneapolis shootings have reframed the narrative around enforcement excess rather than success. The poll suggests a path forward—refocus on serious threats and investigate the tragedy—but ignoring the 60% who see ICE as overstepping risks a deeper reckoning. The next move is his, and America is watching.