WASHINGTON (AP) — Recent polling shows a significant divide in public opinion regarding President Trump's immigration enforcement tactics, with 60% of U.S. adults expressing that he has ‘gone too far’ in sending federal agents into cities to handle immigration cases. This sentiment is particularly strong among political independents, whose discomfort with Trump's methods is evolving.
Currently, nearly 40% of Americans approve of the president's handling of immigration, a figure that has stagnated over the past month according to the AP-NORC poll. Notably, the traditional advantage that the Republican Party held on immigration issues has diminished since last October.
About 30% of U.S. adults now trust Republicans more than Democrats on immigration, with a comparable number favoring Democrats, and roughly another 30% trusting neither party. A small fraction believes both parties would perform equally well.
While Trump's staunch supporters within the Republican Party remain resolute in their backing, there are clear signs that independents are beginning to revolt against his aggressive stance on immigration control.
Brenda Shaw, a 65-year-old from Michigan, articulated her concerns, saying, 'What he’s doing now, pit militarized agents against our people...these are gestapo tactics.' Her observations of violent clashes during recent enforcement actions underscore a growing civilian backlash against aggressive immigration tactics.
The involvement of armed federal agents in cities like Minneapolis, resulting in tragic outcomes including fatalities of U.S. citizens, is pushing public sentiment to question the methodologies employed by the Trump administration. Around 60% of respondents to the poll expressed concerns over the president’s use of federal law enforcement in these controversial public demonstrations.
Continued Republican Support for Trump's Actions
Despite clear discontent among a larger demographic, about 90% of Democrats and nearly 70% of independents assert that Trump’s measures are excessive, while a quarter of Republicans do not share this concern. Support within the GOP remains robust; nearly half state that Trump’s current approach is 'about right' to tackle immigration.
Teviss Crawford, a student from Louisiana, expressed a desire for more rigorous deportation measures, arguing that Trump's enforcement level is not sufficient. His comments reflect a faction within the GOP that remains unsatisfied with current policies.
Independents Grow More Dissenting
Amidst Trump's firm backing from the Republican base, independents are increasingly critical. The perceived effectiveness of Trump’s tactics has noticeably declined among them, with the approval rating plunging from 37% to 23% over the last year.
In fact, 60% of independents believe Trump has ‘gone too far’ with enforcement actions, which marks a notable increase from earlier sentiments expressed in the year. Overall, Americans are losing faith in the capabilities of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which has seen its favorable rating plummet.
Furthermore, remarks from veterans and civilians representing a balance of perspectives reflect a collective concern over how these methods align with American values and constitutional principles. Individuals like Rick Kinnett, a veteran, stress that current tactics, including aggressive detainments, contradict the foundational tenets on which the nation is built.
Trump's Stagnant Approval Ratings
Despite ongoing turmoil linked to immigration policy, Trump’s overall approval rating remains stagnant, hovering around 36%. His administration's actions are increasingly seen as problematic, particularly in light of rising concerns regarding economic management and personal freedoms.
The AP-NORC poll conducted from February 5-8 surveyed 1,156 adults, providing a representative view of shifting opinions on immigration and enforcement tactics across diverse demographics.
