Immigration approval ratings for Trump hit all-time low in Reuters/Ipsos survey
In the midst of President Donald Trump's nationwide campaign for immigration arrests, a recent survey reveals that public opinion on his immigration policies is predominantly negative among the general population, but remains strongly supported by his Republican base [1][2].
The poll, conducted in July 2025, shows that 52% of Americans think Trump’s immigration approach has been "too harsh," with only 36% saying it is "about right." Similarly, 54% believe ICE agents have gone "too far" in enforcing immigration laws, compared to 27% who approve of their actions [1]. This marks a significant shift from four years ago when the public felt Biden was not tough enough on immigration.
Procedural concerns fuel disapproval, including criticism of ICE agents wearing masks and non-uniforms during raids, rapid implementation of policies, and harsh conditions in detention centers like the Florida facility "Alligator Alcatraz." Americans also largely support immigrants having the right to challenge deportations in court and oppose deporting people to countries where they are not citizens [1].
The Gallup report confirms the shift, revealing that only 35% approve of Trump’s handling of immigration overall, with 62% disapproving. Partisan divides are stark: 85% of Republicans approve, whereas only 2% of Democrats approve, and independents are largely disapproving (28% approve vs. 62% disapprove) [3].
Hispanic Americans, a critical demographic for this issue, show notably lower approval of Trump’s immigration enforcement (21%) and less support for increased border agents or mass deportations compared to the general public. However, a majority support a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants (91%) [3].
Public support for Trump’s deportation program has declined, with attitudes shifting toward opposition outside of his core Republican/MAGA supporters. Many Americans—and notably Hispanic Americans—view that Hispanic people are disproportionately targeted and unfairly treated. Despite recognizing a reduction in border crossings, most Americans feel the focus on deportation is excessive and disapprove of the use of detention facilities, further eroding support [4].
Overall, public opinion is trending left on immigration. The majority now favor securing the border combined with pathways to citizenship rather than mass deportations. Support for Trump's tough immigration stance remains substantial among Republicans but has diminished sharply among independents and Democrats, reflecting a broader liberal shift in attitudes toward immigration policy since 2024 [2][4].
The survey also revealed a divide on the issue of immigration enforcement officials wearing masks during raids, with 70% of Republicans in favor and the same share of Democrats opposed [2]. This divide was evident in one recent immigration raid of a farm in California, where one worker died and hundreds were arrested [2].
Congress passed a spending law this month that provides funding to detain at least 100,000 people, a significant increase over the record 58,000 in custody by late June [2]. However, Trump's approval on immigration has since trended lower, with 51% of respondents disapproving of his performance on the issue in the latest poll, 10 points more than those who approved [2].
In conclusion, while Trump's immigration crackdown retains strong support among Republicans, most Americans view his policies and enforcement methods as too extreme, with growing concern over procedural issues and fairness, resulting in declining approval nationwide.
In the context of a nationwide campaign for immigration arrests led by President Donald Trump, a survey conducted in July 2025 unveiled a predominantly negative public opinion towards his immigration policies among the general population, with 52% finding his approach too harsh and 54% perceiving ICE agents as going too far in enforcing these laws. Simultaneously, the survey showed stark partisan divides, with 85% of Republicans approving of Trump’s handling of immigration, while only 2% of Democrats did so.
