Public Discontent Grows Over Trump's Immigration Tactics, New Poll Shows

Fri Feb 13 2026 02:19:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent AP-NORC poll reveals that a significant majority of U.S. adults disapprove of President Trump’s aggressive immigration strategies, citing concerns over federal law enforcement actions in urban areas.

According to a recent AP-NORC poll, approximately 60% of U.S. adults believe President Trump has overstepped his bounds with federal immigration enforcement. While his core supporters maintain their approval, a growing number of political independents express discomfort with these tactics. The poll indicates a divided opinion on which party is better equipped to handle immigration, with approximately 30% favoring both Republicans and Democrats. The results suggest a warning sign for the Republican Party as they head towards the midterm elections, amidst rising violence attributed to federal immigration agents.

WASHINGTON (RTWNews) — A staggering 60% of U.S. adults believe President Donald Trump has gone too far with his enforcement tactics regarding immigration, as revealed by a recent AP-NORC poll. This increasing dissatisfaction, particularly among political independents, presents a challenge for the president as he continues to face backlash over his controversial policies.

Approximately 38% of Americans approve of Trump's overall handling of immigration, which has remained constant despite recent upheaval in key areas like Minneapolis where federal agents have employed aggressive measures to deport undocumented immigrants. As tensions rise, the approval ratings indicate a potential shift in public sentiment as independent voters exhibit a growing unease towards Trump’s governing style.

Independents, who represent a crucial demographic in U.S. elections, reflected a significant decrease in support for Trump's immigration approach, dropping from 37% in March to 23% in this latest survey. Many independents view recent federal tactics as overly aggressive and reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, bringing into question the moral implications of such actions in American cities. One respondent remarked, They’re shooting U.S. citizens in the face and in the back, highlighting the violent confrontations that have occurred during enforcement operations.

Support among Republicans remains robust, with about 90% remaining favorable towards the president's initiatives, despite wider public criticism. Yet, as Republicans' once considerable lead on immigration handling narrows to just 4%, the party faces a dire warning for the upcoming midterm elections. The findings underscore a chilling divide between Republican policymakers and the general public, indicating a possible need for the GOP to recalibrate its immigration strategies.

The AP-NORC poll, conducted among 1,156 adults between February 5-8, suggests that while Trump maintains a loyal base, the increasing discontent among independents and moderate voters may prove detrimental to his party's future prospects.