A recent AP-NORC poll has revealed a growing discontent with President Trump's immigration enforcement tactics, particularly among political independents. The survey, conducted amidst the human tragedy unfolding in Minneapolis, shows that approximately 60% of U.S. adults believe Trump has overstepped his bounds by sending federal immigration agents into American cities.
This sentiment is especially strong among Democrats and independents, with nearly 90% of Democrats and 70% of independents expressing disapproval. In contrast, only about a quarter of Republicans agree that Trump has gone too far.
The poll also highlights a shrinking advantage for the Republican Party on immigration, a key political issue for Trump. While Republicans remain largely supportive of the president's tactics, there are signs that independents are increasingly uncomfortable with his approach.
"I'm glad we're not seeing a flood of immigrants across the border, but what he's doing in our cities is unacceptable," said Brenda Shaw, an independent voter from Michigan. "Using military-style tactics and targeting U.S. citizens is a step too far."
The human cost of Trump's crackdown is evident in Minneapolis, where heavily armed agents have descended upon the city, leading to violent clashes and the deaths of two U.S. citizens.
Despite the chaos and growing disapproval, Trump's core supporters, including Teviss Crawford, a student from Louisiana, remain steadfast in their support for his immigration policies.
"I wish he could deport more immigrants who are here illegally," Crawford said. "If you crossed the border illegally, you're taking opportunities away from those who were born here."
However, the poll suggests that Trump's approval on immigration has fallen among independents, with only 23% approving of his approach, compared to 37% last spring.
Most U.S. adults, including independents, hold an unfavorable view of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with only about 30% expressing a favorable opinion. The partisan gap is significant, with Democrats and independents much more critical of ICE than Republicans.
"Having a secure border is one thing, but Trump's actions with ICE and Homeland Security are excessive," said Rick Kinnett, an independent and Navy veteran from Indiana. "This is not what our military stands for. It's unconstitutional."
Trump's overall approval rating remains low, with only 36% of U.S. adults approving of his presidency. His immigration numbers have not moved since January, despite the turmoil of the past month.
The narrowing of the Republican advantage on immigration is a warning sign for Trump's party, indicating a potential shift in public opinion.
"What Trump is doing with ICE is the most concerning right now," Shaw said. "The economy is a close second. I'm worried about my retirement and the future."
The AP-NORC poll, conducted in February, surveyed 1,156 adults and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.
