Dissent Rises Over Trump's Immigration Enforcement Tactics, Poll Reveals

Fri Feb 13 2026 01:25:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent AP-NORC poll indicates that nearly 60% of U.S. adults believe President Trump's approach to immigration enforcement has gone too far, with significant discontent among independents.

Approximately 60% of U.S. adults disapprove of President Trump’s immigration tactics, according to a new AP-NORC poll. The survey shows an increasing discomfort among independents, with many criticizing the aggressive use of federal agents in cities. Despite maintaining strong support from core Republican supporters, Trump’s approval ratings on immigration have declined, indicating a potential shift in the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new AP-NORC poll reveals that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults state that President Donald Trump has gone too far in deploying federal immigration agents within American cities. The poll highlights a growing discomfort particularly among independent voters regarding Trump's aggressive tactics.

Despite sustaining a core base of support, with roughly 4 in 10 Americans approving of his immigration policy over the past month, the Republican Party’s long-standing advantage on immigration issues is reportedly narrowing.

About 30% of U.S. adults trust Republicans to manage immigration more effectively, with a similar proportion favoring Democrats. Furthermore, approximately 30% believe neither party is capable of improving the situation.

Trump's supporters amongst Republicans remain steadfast, showing little erosion in their backing, even as increasing numbers of independents express discontent. Recent violent clashes, including incidents resulting in fatalities of U.S. citizens at the hands of federal agents, have intensified criticism of Trump's tactics.

Independent voters are voicing their concerns, with many likening the administration's methods to oppressive regimes. A Michigan resident remarked, What he’s doing now in our cities, pitting the military against our people, these are gestapo tactics. This sentiment captures a larger trend, suggesting Trump might be losing grip on crucial swing voters.

As the political climate evolves, with indications that independents’ approval of Trump's immigration policies has plummeted from 37% to 23%, the data highlights a significant partisan divide. While the majority of Republicans approve of Trump's actions, a substantial percentage of independents and Democrats firmly disapprove, seeing the administration’s approach as unconstitutional.

The survey, conducted from February 5-8 with a representative sample of 1,156 adults, indicates a greater concern over Trump’s policies as the nation approaches key electoral moments. The results reveal a crucial potential shift in public opinion on immigration and law enforcement under his administration.