Majorities back Trump on deportations, but oppose methods: Survey

The Hill

by Tara Suter

February 26, 2026

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Majorities back Trump on deportations, but oppose methods: Survey

A new survey reveals that while a majority of Americans support President Trump’s overall deportation agenda, many disagree with the methods used to carry it out. According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Thursday, 61% of U.S. adults back the idea of deporting immigrants living in the country illegally. However, this support is not universal across party lines, with 92% of Republicans and only 35% of Democrats expressing approval for Trump’s approach. The survey highlights a significant divide in attitudes toward immigration enforcement. While most respondents agree with the goal of removing undocumented immigrants, many question the tactics employed by the administration. This includes concerns over family separations, border wall construction, and the use of federal resources to target certain communities. The findings suggest that while Americans may support stricter immigration policies, they are less enthusiastic about the具体 actions taken to achieve them. The survey also underscores the political stakes of the issue. Immigration enforcement remains a hot-button topic in U.S. politics, particularly as the 2018 midterm elections approach. With Trump’s administration doubling down on its deportation efforts, public opinion will likely play a key role in shaping the debate. The poll results indicate that while support for deportations is strong among Republicans, Democrats are more critical of the methods used, potentially impacting voter sentiment in key battleground states. This matters because it reflects a broader tension in American politics: the gap between agreeing with a policy’s goals and disapproving of how those goals are achieved. For Trump, this could mean that while his base remains firmly behind him on immigration enforcement, he may face pushback from independents or moderate Republicans who question the ethics and effectiveness of certain tactics. The findings also highlight the importance of messaging in political campaigns, as voters often weigh both the outcomes they desire and the means by which those outcomes are pursued. In summary, while a majority of Americans support Trump’s deportation agenda

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Originally published on The Hill on 2/26/2026