Border Patrol Approval Holds Steady Amid Attacks, Poll Shows Majority Support Deportations
Recent polling indicates that despite a wave of negative coverage, the U.S. Border Patrol has managed to maintain a positive image among the public. According to a YouGov poll, 45% of respondents view the agency favorably, while 42% hold unfavorable opinions, giving the Border Patrol a modest +3 approval rating. This result stands out amid ongoing debates surrounding immigration enforcement.
The findings were highlighted in a widely shared tweet stating, “After ALL of this, the public still wants deportations. KEEP PUSHING 🇺🇸.” This message underscores that even with criticisms directed at immigration tactics, there is robust support for deportation policies among many Americans.
Historically, agencies like the Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have faced scrutiny from various activists and commentators who call for reform or even abolition. One high-profile incident this year involving the shooting of civilian Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent spurred public disapproval of ICE, driving its approval rating down significantly. In stark contrast, the Border Patrol’s image has stayed relatively intact during this period.
A Contrast Between ICE and Border Patrol
Comparative data illustrates a clear distinction in public perception. The same YouGov poll showed ICE’s approval plummeting from +16 to -13, with 52% disapproving of the agency’s methods. Conversely, the Border Patrol’s +3 approval rating, though modest, reflects a substantially different perception of their operations focused on border enforcement rather than interior immigration raids, which have garnered more public opposition.
Polling expert G. Elliott Morris noted the growing awareness regarding ICE’s enforcement tactics. “The growing backlash to ICE is a byproduct of people learning about the agency’s enforcement tactics,” he explained, highlighting the extreme nature of responses to enforcement initiatives that have played out in the public arena.
In contrast, the Border Patrol operates primarily on the U.S. borders and seems to enjoy broader acceptance among the electorate. The YouGov poll results confirm this, showing a favorable rating for the agency even amid rising skepticism about immigration enforcement as a whole.
Opinions on Deportation Remain Firm
The latest polling also reveals continued strong support for deportation policies, particularly among older adults, conservative voters, and individuals living near the border. An October Pew Research poll indicated that about 43% of Americans advocate for increasing deportations, with only 27% preferring a decrease. Notably, nearly 60% of Republican voters support heightened deportation efforts.
Interestingly, even among those who disapprove of ICE, many still back deportation policies, albeit seeking changes in how they are enforced. A September 2023 PRRI survey found that while 60% disapproved of the way immigration policy was being managed, many still favored enforcement that is strongly focused on border apprehensions rather than urban raids.
President Donald Trump has positioned immigration enforcement as a cornerstone of his 2024 campaign. Following an incident in Washington, D.C., he proposed a “permanent pause” on immigration from all “Third World countries,” a perspective aligning with polling indicating that a significant number of Americans desire reduced levels of legal immigration.
This suggests that while the topic remains contentious, Trump’s enforcement message resonated with a segment of the electorate prioritizing national security and workforce issues over more humanitarian aspects of immigration.
Tactical Shifts, Not Policy Reversals
U.S. federal agencies are adapting their methods, recognizing the need for change in response to public sentiment. The Department of Homeland Security recently announced that the Border Patrol would emphasize targeted enforcement rather than sweeping raids that have attracted criticism, particularly for ICE’s urban operations. Under leaders like Commander Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol has shifted focus to more tactical operations aimed at individuals with criminal backgrounds.
A recent operation in New Orleans, dubbed “Catahoula Crunch,” illustrates this new approach, targeting offenders with serious criminal histories and resulting in hundreds of arrests by early 2024. This strategy aims to pursue enforcement while avoiding the controversial optics associated with large-scale raids.
As noted by a NewsNation reporter, “It’s unlikely that onlookers will see Border Patrol grabbing people off the streets,” highlighting the agency’s move towards less visible, yet effective law enforcement strategies.
Demographics and the Political Equation
Polling data reveals stark divisions along demographic and party lines. According to the YouGov survey, support for both the Border Patrol and deportation remains higher among older adults, with over 55% approval from those over 50—a figure that diminishes by nearly 20 points among younger voters. Regionally, states such as Arizona, Texas, and Florida show strong support for the Border Patrol, reflecting local concerns about immigration strain and security.
Partisan lines are clearly drawn. Among self-identified Republicans, 68% express approval of the Border Patrol, while only 24% of Democrats hold the same view. Independents show a slight lean towards favorable perceptions, but not as strongly as their Republican counterparts.
What This Means Going Forward
The implications for upcoming elections are significant. As immigration and border policy take center stage, public perceptions of federal enforcement agencies will certainly influence campaign narratives, policy proposals, and funding decisions in Washington. While ICE faces significant criticism, the Border Patrol has managed to maintain a degree of public trust, even amidst a polarized immigration debate. The +3 approval rating from YouGov may shape political candidates’ stances on border enforcement, encouraging them to align with the Border Patrol’s image of controlled and effective enforcement, distancing themselves from the criticism surrounding ICE’s broader tactics.
For supporters, this modest rating signifies more than mere numbers; it reflects a public that still differentiates between various immigration agencies and continues to favor deportation policies, even in light of mounting criticisms from certain media outlets.
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