A recent poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos highlights a decline in support for President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The poll found that 40% of registered voters believe Republicans have a better approach to immigration policy, compared to 38% who favor Democrats. This marks the smallest lead for Republicans in Trump’s second term, a notable drop from a 26-point advantage in January 2025 after Trump’s inauguration.
The White House dismissed these findings, with spokesperson Davis Ingle stating, “No other President in history has accomplished more for the American people than President Trump.” Ingle cited job creation, efforts to curb inflation, and increased housing affordability as achievements under Trump’s leadership.
Republican Immigration Policy
Initially, Trump’s immigration stance proved popular, contributing significantly to his re-election campaign in 2024. A key promise was to intensify efforts against illegal immigration, including large-scale deportations. However, public opinion has shifted as a result of several high-profile incidents linked to immigration enforcement.
During Trump’s administration, there has been a noted reduction in border crossings, and nationwide crackdowns have been enacted. Despite these efforts, issues like confrontations, deaths in custody, and a rise in the detention of children have influenced public perception negatively.
Impact of Enforcement Tactics
Widespread protests erupted in Los Angeles in June 2025 following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. This led to Trump deploying the California National Guard, a move Governor Gavin Newsom criticized as escalating tensions. Such actions spread protests to other cities, including New York, Chicago, and Dallas.
The situation worsened in February 2026 with Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, where accusations of fraud and two fatal shootings involving citizens caused nationwide outcry. Support for Trump’s immigration policy fell to 38% during this period.
Concerns Over ICE Operations
There have been numerous fatalities linked to ICE operations, including a recent death of a Colombian motorist. Deaths in ICE custody also raised concerns, with 30 deaths reported in 2025, the highest since 2004, and 18 more in early 2026.
Despite falling support, Trump and his allies defend these strict immigration policies as essential for national security. In the 2026 State of the Union address, Trump emphasized that increased deportations were improving community safety.
Overall Approval Decline
Beyond immigration, Trump’s overall approval rating is at its lowest since his re-election, with 33% approval and 64% disapproval according to the Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The ongoing conflict with Iran, which has disrupted oil trade and increased gas prices, has been a significant point of contention. A majority of Americans believe the war will continue for an extended period, impacting the economy severely.
In economic terms, the poll shows a preference for Democrats, with 38% favoring their approach to economic issues compared to 35% favoring Republicans.
Possible Implications
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, shrinking Republican dominance on immigration might pose challenges. Historically, immigration has been a strong suit for Republicans, but Democrats gaining traction in this area could shift the political landscape. The effectiveness of Trump’s border security measures will be a critical factor in shaping the future public opinion.
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