Trump’s Immigration Approval Slips Among Independents As Deportation Backlash Grows

President Donald Trump’s once-solid advantage on immigration appears to be softening — particularly among independent voters — according to a new AP-NORC poll that signals growing unease over the scale and style of his deportation campaign.

While immigration has long been viewed as one of Trump’s strongest political issues, the latest data suggests that aggressive enforcement tactics may be eroding support outside his Republican base.

The poll found:

• 23% approval of Trump’s handling of immigration among respondents — a drop of 14 points since March 2025.

• 38% overall approval for his immigration policy across all voters.

• 60% of respondents say Trump has “gone too far” in deploying federal immigration officers to U.S. cities.

Among independents, the concern is more pronounced:

• 6 in 10 independents believe deportations of undocumented immigrants have “gone too far.”

• 7 in 10 independents say sending federal enforcement officers into cities crosses a line.

The survey also shows deteriorating perceptions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):

• 66% of independents hold a negative view of ICE.

• Just 2 in 10 independents say they view the agency favorably.

• 89% of Democrats hold a negative view.

• 71% of Republicans approve of ICE, though nearly a quarter express criticism.

The partisan divide remains stark — but independents appear increasingly aligned with Democratic skepticism on enforcement methods.

Backlash intensified following two U.S. citizen deaths during federal immigration operations in Minneapolis last month. The incidents prompted renewed Democratic calls for reforms to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

White House border adviser Tom Homan announced that federal officers would withdraw from Minnesota, citing improved conditions. State officials welcomed the pullback but criticized DHS tactics.

Immigration has been central to Trump’s political identity since 2016. However, independents often decide close national elections — and their shift could signal vulnerability.

At the same time, Democrats in the Senate have blocked DHS funding legislation, raising the prospect of another partial government shutdown — a move that risks deepening political polarization around the issue.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Republican support remains strong, but it is not universal.

• Independents are showing clear discomfort with enforcement intensity.

• High-profile incidents are shaping public opinion.

• guaranteed political strength for Trump heading into the next election cycle.

SOURCE: THE HILL

Obama deported millions of illegals without drama, there's a serious problem here with leadership.

9 minutes ago, Real Name Hidden said:

Obama deported millions of illegals without drama, there's a serious problem here with leadership.

It's by design.....his deportation numbers are way down and the costs astronimical.

This isn't about undocumented immigration per se.....it's about red meat being thrown to the hard of thinking.