The latest polling data reveals a complex landscape for President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, particularly among Republicans and independents. While Republican support for the president’s crackdown remains strong, independent voters are expressing increasing concerns about his aggressive approach. The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research published these findings, which show a significant partisan divide in opinions on Trump’s enforcement actions.
Republicans are largely behind Trump. Approximately half of them believe his immigration actions are “about right.” Moreover, another quarter feel he has not gone far enough. This illustrates a solid base that remains committed to the president’s tough stance on immigration. In sharp contrast, around 60% of U.S. adults think Trump has overstepped his bounds, especially with federal agents operating in cities across the nation. This sentiment is particularly strong among Democrats—nearly 90% express that he has gone too far. Independents also echo this concern, with about 70% feeling negatively about the administration’s tactics. Yet, only about 25% of Republicans share this view, highlighting a stark partisan divide.
The implications of this poll are pronounced when considering the recent announcement by Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, regarding the conclusion of federal immigration sweeps in Minnesota. These operations, which have led to the arrests of more than 4,000 individuals within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, have become focal points of controversy. The ongoing unrest tied to these enforcement operations reflects the tensions surrounding immigration issues across the country.
Approval ratings for Trump’s immigration policy sit at 38%, a figure that has remained relatively unchanged since January. However, the decline in support among independent voters is noteworthy. Approval dropped dramatically from 37% in March 2025 to just 23% in the latest poll. This represents a significant shift in perception, with more independents—approximately 60%—now believing Trump has gone too far in his deportation efforts, compared to 46% in April. Such a decline augurs poorly for Trump, as independents often play a crucial role in elections.
Diving deeper into perceptions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals the sharp partisan divisions that characterize the public’s response to immigration. While 70% of Republicans view ICE favorably, only about 20% of independents and a mere 10% of Democrats share that sentiment. These figures underscore the increasing polarization on the matter of immigration enforcement, suggesting that public trust in ICE is unevenly distributed.
This polling data also indicates a narrowing advantage for Republicans on immigration issues. Just months ago, in October, a poll showed the GOP commanding a 13-point lead over Democrats concerning public trust to handle immigration. Now, that gap has shrunk to only 4 points, with both parties appearing equally favored by about 30% of Americans. Furthermore, another 30% expressed a lack of confidence in either party to improve the situation. This trend demonstrates a shift in public opinion that could have lasting implications for future elections and party dynamics.
In assessing Trump’s overall job approval, his ratings stand at 36%, slightly down from the beginning of his second term. Interestingly, his approval figures regarding the economy and foreign policy have remained stable. This suggests that while immigration issues may be eroding his support among critical voter blocs, other areas of his administration continue to resonate with some segments of the electorate.
As these polls suggest a changing tide among independents and reveal deep divisions between parties, it is clear that the political landscape surrounding immigration remains fraught with challenges for Trump and the GOP. The steadfast Republican support underscores their commitment to the president’s policies, while the growing dissatisfaction among independents raises questions about the effectiveness and future of such policies as they move closer to upcoming elections.
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