Recent polling data suggests a significant shift in American sentiment regarding the deportation policies of President Donald Trump’s administration. A CNN poll conducted by SSRS shows that a majority of Americans, 55%, now believe the president has overstepped in his approach to deporting undocumented immigrants, reflecting a 10-point increase since February.
The opposition appears strongest among Democrats and those who lean towards the Democratic Party, with a striking 90% expressing discontent with Trump’s policies. In contrast, only 15% of Republican-aligned individuals share the same sentiment. Furthermore, 57% of respondents are against plans to establish new detention facilities that could hold up to 100,000 undocumented immigrants, with 53% opposing budget increases for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The poll also reveals that nearly 60% of Americans favor retaining birthright citizenship. Trump’s efforts to revoke this status for children born to undocumented immigrants are currently being scrutinized by the courts. Only 46% believe Trump’s immigration policies have enhanced national safety, while 42% think the government has appropriately followed legal protocols during deportations.
Support for deporting individuals without criminal records has diminished, with 59% opposing the arrest and detention of undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years without any criminal history. A resident of California who participated in the survey emphasized the need for ICE to focus on immigrants that pose a real threat rather than longtime residents with clean records.
Public opinion appears to be influenced by how immigration policies are framed. Although many oppose budget increases for ICE, some reframe these as necessary for “border security and enforcement,” leading to supportive responses for funding measures. Despite mixed reactions toward certain punitive policies regarding citizens with criminal records, overwhelming opposition exists against deporting notable critics of the administration.
Immigration has surfaced as a critical issue in political discourse, with 20% of Americans identifying it as the most pressing concern, second only to economic issues. While historically a point of emphasis for Republicans, the gap in concern has narrowed, indicating growing attention among Democrats as well.
The protests against Trump’s deportation policies have garnered support, with 55% of Americans deeming them justified. This sentiment is particularly strong among Democratic voters, younger adults, and people of color. Notably, 59% oppose the deployment of National Guard troops to counteract immigration protests, further indicating the public’s inclination towards supporting activism in response to government policies.
As the immigration debate continues to evolve in the U.S., the shifting public opinion may encourage more dialogue and reforms aimed at addressing the complex issues within the immigration system.