In the wake of recent federal actions in Los Angeles that ignited widespread protests over immigration policy, a new survey reveals that a significant number of voters now view legal immigration positively. Approximately 70% believe that legal immigrants contribute positively to the U.S., rather than being a detriment (22%). This marks a notable rise from two years ago when only 55% shared this sentiment.
The surge in favorable opinions is largely attributed to an increasing number of Republicans—61% now think legal immigration helps the country, compared to just 35% in 2023.
Meanwhile, a majority of 56% support the deportation of individuals living in the U.S. illegally, although this is a decline from 63% in March and previous highs of 67% in late 2023 and 2024.
Support for illegal deportation is especially strong among Republicans (87%) and over half (54%) of independent voters, while two-thirds of Democrats (67%) oppose such measures.
A considerable percentage of Hispanic voters (68%) believe that legal immigrants are beneficial, though opinions are divided regarding the deportation of undocumented immigrants, with 49% in favor and 48% against.
On June 6, an immigration enforcement raid by federal agents in Los Angeles catalyzed national protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and President Trump’s immigration policies. In response, Trump mobilized the National Guard and U.S. troops to assist federal and local law enforcement, a move criticized by state officials like California Governor Gavin Newsom.
About 46% of voters approve of the work being done by ICE. However, disapproval of ICE has increased from 41% in 2018 to 52% today, with a partisan divide: over 80% of Democrats disapprove, while a similar number of Republicans approve. Nearly two-thirds of independents also disapprove.
As Republican voter Daron Shaw pointed out, “Trump is definitely taking steps to remove individuals living here illegally. But many Democrats and some independents claim that ICE’s methods are overly aggressive.”
Voters appear to have mixed feelings about local governments collaborating with ICE, with 51% supporting such cooperation to enforce federal immigration policies, while 45% oppose it.
Attitudes vary among demographics: older white voters and Republicans tend to favor local cooperation, whereas younger non-white voters and Democrats support localized control that minimizes ICE involvement. Women’s views on this are more divided.
When it comes to protests against ICE, public sentiment is split; 49% find them appropriate, while the same proportion considers them inappropriate.
On Trump’s reaction to these protests, 52% of respondents deemed the deployment of the National Guard and U.S. troops inappropriate, while 47% found it appropriate. Notably, opposition to the military presence is strongest among Democratic men, Hispanic voters, and women with college degrees, whereas conservative Republican women and white evangelical Christians largely support the military’s involvement.
Overall, more than half of those surveyed felt that sending in the National Guard worsened the situation, contrasting with a third who believed it improved matters (34%).
Many voters—53%—feel that the Trump administration’s immigration policies have been excessive, compared to just 21% who believe they have been insufficient. A quarter of respondents (26%) feel these policies are just right. When asked whether these policies make the U.S. safer, opinions were divided: 39% felt safer, while another 39% felt unsafe, with 22% believing it makes no difference.
Concerns about illegal immigration (67%), military use domestically (66%), and protests (63%) remain significant, but voters express even stronger worry about other issues. For instance, 85% are concerned about the future of the U.S., followed closely by worries about inflation (84%), government spending (80%), Iran’s nuclear intentions (78%), and rising anti-Semitism (69%).
Interestingly, more Democrats (87%) and independents (71%) are concerned about federal forces being deployed in response to anti-ICE protests than Republicans (42%). Conversely, a higher percentage of Republicans (84%) express significant worry about illegal immigration compared to independents (68%) and Democrats (49%).
Trump’s ratings are relatively high when it comes to border security, with 53% approval (46% disapproval). His immigration policies follow, albeit with 46% approval and 53% disapproval.
Overall, 46% of those surveyed approve of Trump’s job performance, while 54% disapprove. His personal favorability stands at 45%, compared to a disfavor rate of 55%. Comparatively, California Governor Newsom has a lower favorability rate at 39%, with 45% disapproving, although that’s a slight improvement since last July.
Earlier this month, Trump implemented an executive order banning citizens from 12 African and Middle Eastern countries from entering the U.S. Public opinion on this action is split, with 48% in favor and an equal percentage opposed. This is a stark contrast to eight years ago when a similar ban saw 43% approval and 54% disapproval from voters.
