Poll Reveals Declining Support for Trump's Immigration Tactics

Thu Feb 12 2026 23:58:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent AP-NORC poll indicates a surge in disapproval among U.S. adults, particularly independents, regarding President Trump's immigration enforcement strategies, amidst increasing clashes between federal authorities and citizens.

A significant majority of U.S. adults now believe President Trump has overstepped in using federal agents for immigration enforcement in cities. Recent polling indicates a pronounced discomfort among independents with Trump's approach, while core Republican support for the President's tactics remains high. The data highlights a growing divide in perspectives on immigration management across party lines, reflecting a potential shift in electoral dynamics.

WASHINGTON (AP) — According to a new AP-NORC poll, approximately 60% of U.S. adults believe that President Donald Trump has 'gone too far' with his deployment of federal immigration agents in cities across the country. The survey indicates a notable increase in discomfort among political independents over Trump's immigration tactics, reflecting a changing attitude as midterm elections approach.

While Trump has consistently maintained support from his core Republican base, where roughly 75% still back his strategies, the overall approval for his handling of immigration issues has dipped. Only about 38% of U.S. adults express approval for his approach to immigration, a slight decline from previous months amid controversy surrounding aggressive enforcement actions, including a recent crackdown in Minneapolis that saw heavy federal presence in response to suspected illegal immigration.

The poll found that Independents’ approval of Trump's immigration policies has dropped significantly since last spring, falling from 37% to just 23% in the latest figures. This decline corresponds with increased concerns about the use of military tactics against civilians in urban settings, prompting critical feedback from citizens like Brenda Shaw, a 65-year-old human resources manager, who expressed alarm over federal agents' methods likening them to 'Gestapo tactics.'

In the broader context, the survey illuminates a growing rift among voters on immigration issues. Approximately one-quarter of Republicans feel Trump hasn’t gone far enough, while a concerning percentage of independents and Democrats firmly critique his approach. This shift is pivotal as historical data shows that significant declines in approval ratings often compel party members to distance themselves from the president, especially nearing elections.

As Trump's administration endures scrutiny over its immigration policies, the partisan trust dynamic has narrowed. The Republican Party's advantage over Democrats in managing immigration issues has decreased significantly from 13 points last October to just 4 points at present.

In conclusion, the poll, which was conducted from February 5-8, reflects an evolving perspective on the implemented immigration policies, signaling potential challenges ahead for the Trump administration as it faces a politically charged environment.