By Trendsetter Tribune 
A heated exchange on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, between Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) and CNN’s Audie Cornish highlighted a growing disconnect between Republican leadership and Independent voters. As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) faces a critical funding deadline this Friday, new polling suggests the administration’s aggressive immigration tactics are creating a significant political liability heading into the midterms.
The “71 Percent” Problem
During the interview, Cornish cited a recent Fox News poll (supported by NPR/Marist data) showing that 71% of Independent voters now believe ICE’s deportation efforts have gone “too far.”
- The Shift: Public sentiment has soured following the high-profile shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
- The GOP Response: Rep. Haridopolos dismissed the polling, blaming media “chaos” and urging more coverage of crimes committed by undocumented individuals, such as the Laken Riley case.
- The Disconnect: While Haridopolos insisted immigration is the “number one issue,” Cornish corrected him, noting that the economy—specifically inflation and housing costs—remains the top priority for voters across all major 2026 polls.
DHS Funding: The Friday Deadline
Congress is currently locked in a high-stakes standoff over DHS funding, which is set to expire on Friday, February 13, 2026.
| Party Position | Strategy |
| House Republicans | Seeking full funding with zero new oversight; arguing that defunding DHS would leave the border “wide open.” |
| Senate Democrats | Pushing for “guardrails,” including mandatory body cameras for ICE agents and a ban on “roving patrols” near schools and churches. |
| The White House | President Trump has threatened to let the department shut down rather than accept “hamstringing” restrictions on enforcement. |
2026 Midterm Warning Signs
The “underwater” status with Independents is causing alarm among non-MAGA Republicans. A YouGov/Economist poll released this week shows Democrats currently leading the generic congressional ballot 44% to 38%, a 6-point advantage driven largely by Independent flight.
- “Too Aggressive”: 59% of all voters now characterize ICE as “too aggressive,” a 10-point increase since last summer.
- The “Safety” Flip: For the first time in the index’s history, a majority of Americans (62%) say ICE’s recent actions are making the country “less safe,” citing the risk of civil unrest and accidental shootings of citizens.
Despite these numbers, Haridopolos and other allies of the President remain steadfast, betting that a “law and order” message will eventually override economic concerns as the election draws nearer.