In a stunning reversal, President Donald Trump's relentless push to expand immigration enforcement and deportations through the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is now threatening to undermine his political standing. What this really means is that Trump's once-vaunted hardline immigration policies are increasingly becoming a liability, as public backlash mounts against the harsh tactics employed by ICE.
A Crackdown Gone Wrong
Trump has long touted his administration's aggressive immigration enforcement as a signature achievement, boasting that ICE is made up of the "toughest people you'll ever meet." But reports indicate that ICE's workforce has never been more demoralized, with officers complaining of being "vilified" and forced to carry out "mission impossible" quotas set by the White House.
The bigger picture here is that Trump's obsession with deportation numbers has led ICE to prioritize civil immigration arrests over criminal investigations, according to Reuters. This shift has sparked a public relations disaster, with images of masked ICE agents chasing down immigrants and separating families provoking outrage across the political spectrum.
A Risky Political Gamble
Despite the growing backlash, CNN's analysis shows that Trump is doubling down on his immigration crackdown, with plans to boost ICE and Border Patrol funding by $170 billion. The president seems to be betting that his base will reward him for his hardline stance, even as it alienates independents and moderates.
But this political gamble appears increasingly precarious. Gallup polling shows Trump's approval rating on immigration has plummeted to just 35%, with a staggering 62% disapproving of his handling of the issue. Even more worrying for the president, nearly 70% of independents disapprove of his immigration policies.
As the 2026 midterm elections loom, Trump's relentless push to expand ICE's powers could backfire spectacularly, costing Republicans critical votes in swing districts and states. The president may have finally met his match in the politics of immigration enforcement.