Majority Think It’s Illegal to Hinder ICE Operations
A recent investigation by YouGov, an economist and polling organization, shows that the majority of people believe it should be illegal for Americans to try to stop U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from carrying out their duties. The survey posed the question: “Do you think it should be legal or illegal for Americans to try to prevent ICE from doing their work?”
In response, 52% of participants agreed that it should be illegal to obstruct ICE. Meanwhile, 24% felt it should be legal, and another 24% were unsure.
Among Democrats, 41% think Americans should be allowed to impede ICE from detaining and deporting undocumented individuals, while 33% expressed uncertainty on the matter. About 26% of Democrats feel obstructing ICE should be illegal.
On the Republican side, a significant 80% believe that preventing ICE from performing its functions is illegal. Among independents, 47% share this view, while only 22% support the idea that it should be legal. This perspective is held by just 10% of Republicans.
The survey also revealed a divided opinion on the protests against ICE in Los Angeles, with 45% approving and 44% disapproving. Most Democrats supported the protests, while a striking 74% of Republicans were against them. Independents showed a similar split, with 43% approving and 40% disapproving.
A notable 58% indicated that they believe the protests in Los Angeles are at least somewhat serious.
The survey was conducted between June 13 and 16 with 1,512 registered voters, featuring a margin of error of 3.3%.
While protests in LA unfolded, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided updates on those arrested during a local ICE operation. Reports highlighted the extensive criminal histories of some of the detained undocumented individuals.
One individual apprehended, Eswin Uriel Castro, had previously been deported and had charges including “child abuse” and “armed with dangerous weapons,” along with robbery and domestic violence. Another detainee, Anastasio Enrique Solis Salinas from Nicaragua, faced charges of intentional cruelty to a child, as well as convictions for domestic violence. Additionally, Miguel Angel Parafox Montes returned to Mexico voluntarily twice, but was later caught by ICE. His criminal history included grand larceny, drug violations, identity theft, and various arrests for battery and robbery.
Other criminal records among those arrested included severe offenses such as sexual battery, second-degree murder, assault with intent to commit rape, and distribution of cocaine and heroin, along with incidents of domestic violence and intentional cruelty towards children.
