*RELEASE* New Poll Shows 42% of Americans Support Abolishing ICE as Over 1,000 Tennesseans Demand Federal Agency's Removal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
January 9, 2026
New Poll Shows 42% of Americans Support Abolishing ICE as Over 1,100 Tennesseans Demand Federal Agency's Removal
Tennesseans Call for Removal of ICE from our Communities While the Trump Administration Doubles Down on Their Cruelty
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As a new national poll reveals that 42% of Americans support abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Tennessee shows growing grassroots resistance to federal immigration enforcement. More than 1,100 Tennesseans have signed on to demand ICE's removal from the state in less than 48 hours, while over 500 residents gathered at vigils in Memphis and Nashville this week to mourn the death of Rene Nicole Good and call for accountability.
The Civiqs poll demonstrates a significant shift in public opinion regarding ICE, with support for abolishing the agency spanning across demographics and political affiliations. This national sentiment is being echoed loudly in Tennessee, where community members are mobilizing in unprecedented numbers.
Following the death of Rene Nicole Good during an ICE operation, Tennesseans have taken collective action through both online organizing and in-person gatherings. The letter, organized by the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) and partner organizations, calls for the immediate removal of ICE from Tennessee communities and accountability for agents involved in violent enforcement actions.
"These numbers tell us what we already knew, that people across this country and right here in Tennessee are saying enough is enough," said Lisa Sherman Luna, Executive Director of TIRRC. "When over 1,100 of our neighbors signed on to demand ICE leave our state in less than 48 hours, and over 500 people show up to grieve together and demand justice, that's indicative of a growing movement to call for unity and justice for our immigrant neighbors and an end to the increasing violence against our communities from ICE and all federal agencies. Tennesseans understand that true public safety doesn't come from fear and violence, it comes from keeping families together and treating everyone with dignity. We will continue to stand together until ICE is out of our communities and our loved ones can live without fear."
The vigils in Memphis and Nashville brought together diverse coalitions including Immigrant Relief Task Force, Forward TN, Nashville Indivisible, SEIU, Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood, Conexión Americas, Latino Memphis, V901, Tennessee Justice for our Neighbors, UVOTN, East Nashtivists, Tennessee for All, MigraWatch, and more.
Community members can add their voice to the growing call for change by signing the letter at: https://www.mobilize.us/tirrc/event/881865/
