A new poll has delivered a scathing indictment of the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies, with a majority of Americans now saying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has "gone too far" in its enforcement efforts. What these three shocking numbers really mean is that the public backlash against Trump's immigration crackdown is mounting - and Democrats are being emboldened to take a tougher stance against the administration.
65% Say ICE Has "Gone Too Far"
According to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll, a staggering 65% of Americans now believe that ICE has "gone too far" in its immigration enforcement efforts. This represents an 11-point jump since last summer, driven by a surge in opposition among independents and Democrats.
Trump's Immigration Approval Plummets to Record Low
The same poll found that Trump's approval rating on immigration has plunged to just 39%, the lowest level since he returned to the White House. A majority of 56% now disapprove of his handling of the issue, with 51% strongly disapproving - the highest intensity of opposition Marist has ever recorded.
Majority Say Suspending Asylum is a "Step Too Far"
A separate Pew Research Center survey found that 66% of Americans oppose the Trump administration's proposal to suspend all applications for asylum. This indicates the public is growing increasingly alarmed by the administration's most extreme immigration measures.
The bigger picture here is that Trump's hardline immigration agenda is rapidly losing public support, with the majority of Americans now voicing strong opposition to the tactics used by federal agents under his direction. This backlash is likely to embolden Democrats in Congress to take a tougher stance in funding negotiations for the Department of Homeland Security, potentially risking a government shutdown showdown.
As our recent analysis highlighted, Trump's fear of the political fallout from his immigration policies may now be backfiring, with the public increasingly rejecting the administration's heavy-handed approach. With Democrats gaining leverage, the stage is set for an intense battle over the future of immigration enforcement in America.