WASHINGTON (AP) — About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say President Donald Trump has “gone too far” in sending federal immigration agents into American cities, according to a new AP-NORC poll that suggests political independents are increasingly uncomfortable with his tactics.
Trump’s approval rating concerning immigration tactics remains low, with approximately 4 in 10 Americans approving of his approach. Interestingly, the Republican Party's advantage on immigration seems to have diminished since last October.
In detail, only about 30% of U.S. adults trust Republicans over Democrats to manage immigration effectively. About 30% of respondents feel that neither party is capable, demonstrating a significant partisan split.
On the ground, core Republican supporters continue to back Trump’s stiff stance on immigration. However, independents report growing concerns about federal actions in urban areas, equating them to authoritarian tactics. Brenda Shaw, a human resources manager from Michigan, commented, “They’re shooting U.S. citizens in the face and in the back.”
As crowds gather in cities like Minneapolis, federal agents, often heavily armed, are seen as a substantial threat by many citizens. Approximately 60% of Americans now believe Trump has exceeded a reasonable response by involving federal law enforcement in public protests.
Republican Support for Trump Remains Steadfast
Despite the rising discontent among independents and Democrats, around 25% of Republicans view Trump's immigration tactics as appropriate, while nearly half believe he has not gone far enough.
Teviss Crawford, a student from Louisiana, expressed support for Trump’s strategies but emphasized a desire for more aggressive deportations, reflecting the frustration felt within the conservative base.
However, independent voters are demonstrating a noticeable shift in perception. The approval of Trump’s immigration policies has declined sharply among this demographic from 37% to just 23% since last spring. Currently, around 60% of independents feel that Trump is taking things too far.
The Polarizing Image of Immigration Enforcement
While a majority of Republicans continue to support Trump's stringent immigration policies, public sentiment towards ICE remains predominantly negative. Only about 30% of U.S. adults view the agency favorably, contributing to the growing divide between parties regarding immigration enforcement.
Brenda Shaw reflects on the shifting landscape: “What he’s doing with ICE is the worst thing right now. I’m getting ready to retire and I’m wondering how I’m going to make it.”
In conclusion, the AP-NORC poll of 1,156 adults conducted from Feb. 5-8 indicates a significant shift in public perception about Trump’s handling of immigration, setting a challenging tone for the future as midterm elections loom.
