WASHINGTON (AP) — Approximately 6 in 10 U.S. adults believe President Donald Trump has gone too far in deploying federal immigration agents into cities across America, as per a recent AP-NORC poll. This illustrates a growing discomfort among political independents regarding Trump's immigration strategy.
Trump's approval ratings on immigration, which fell sharply during his first year, have remained consistent recently, with only about 40% of adults expressing approval of his methods. Intriguingly, the Republican Party's prior advantage on this key issue appears to be fading since last October.
According to the survey, nearly 30% of adults feel Republicans would manage immigration better than Democrats, while a similar proportion believe the Democrats would do a better job. Approximately 30% do not trust either party to handle it effectively.
Supporters of Trump remain firmly behind his immigration tactics; however, there's an evident rising sentiment of disapproval among independent voters.
Brenda Shaw, a 65-year-old HR manager from Michigan, criticized the administration's aggressive tactics, saying, They’re shooting U.S. citizens in the face and in the back. This sentiment reflects broader concerns as Americans witness federal agents in cities like Minneapolis conducting aggressive immigration enforcement.
With the recent violent clashes leading to fatalities among U.S. citizens amidst protests, the poll findings suggest a discordant response to Trump’s deployment of federal agents. Approximately 60% of Americans think he has gone too far in utilizing federal forces during public protests.
Republican Support Remains Strong
In stark contrast, about 90% of Democrats and 70% of independents believe Trump's actions are excessive, while merely 25% of Republicans share this opinion. Recent survey results reveal that nearly 50% of Republicans view Trump’s measures as about right, and around 25% feel he has not taken enough action. This loyal backing continues, despite the turmoil visible in Minneapolis.
Teviss Crawford, a young student from Louisiana, acknowledges Trump's immigration leadership but advocates for more stringent deportation measures, stating, If you crossed into our country illegally, it’s just not right. This encapsulates a steadfast belief in the necessity for stricter enforcement among some voters.
Independents' Discontent
Independents have increasingly distanced themselves from Trump over iden, dropping from 37% to 23% in their approval of his immigration tactics. This reflects a shifting opinion, indicated by 60% of independent voters now believing Trump’s actions are excessive.
Overall, public sentiment appears to favor a shift in handling immigration. With many identifying an unfavorable view of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), they seem less aligned with Republican perspectives. This point exemplifies the increasing division and public outcry against extreme enforcement methods.
Rick Kinnett, a 60-year-old Navy veteran, voiced his disapproval, saying, “You don’t go yanking people out of cars. You don’t go shooting people.” Such sentiments resonate with many who express concerns about the constitutional implications of current policies.
The recent polling results illustrate a concerning trend for Trump and the GOP, with only 36% of U.S. adults approving of his presidency. As he navigates through uncertain waters, the upcoming midterm elections could further challenge his administration's standing if these trends persist.
