A new POLITICO poll conducted with Public First finds that about half of Americans describe President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement approach as “too aggressive,” a level broadly similar to earlier polling referenced by the outlet. The findings underscore the political risks for Republicans as immigration crackdowns spark backlash in some communities and demands for escalation from parts of the right.
A POLITICO survey conducted with the polling firm Public First found that roughly half of U.S. adults characterize President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement approach as “too aggressive.” The poll’s topline also found smaller shares saying the approach is “about right” or “not aggressive enough,” according to POLITICO. (thedailybeast.com)
The polling comes as immigration remains a central issue for the administration and for Republicans heading into the next election cycle, with enforcement actions drawing both public support and localized backlash.
Minneapolis enforcement operation and economic impact
Separate local reporting and city documents describe significant economic disruption in Minneapolis tied to a federal immigration enforcement effort known as “Operation Metro Surge,” which began in December and has been associated with steep drops in foot traffic and revenue for some businesses. (yahoo.com)
The City of Minneapolis has said its estimates show the operation contributed to large revenue losses for local businesses and has advanced plans for millions of dollars in aid to affected small businesses through existing city programming. (minneapolismn.gov)
Claims that specific private relief efforts (including any particular GoFundMe) were coordinated or “aided by” the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as well as precise, sweeping figures such as “up to 70% sales losses during Operation Metro Surge” across Minneapolis businesses, could not be confirmed from the accessible supporting sources and are not stated here as universal impacts.
Latino public opinion
Other polling and research has found substantial Latino disapproval of Trump’s performance and concerns about the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts, though exact percentages vary by survey and timing. Pew Research Center, for example, has reported majorities of Latinos disapproving of Trump and his immigration-related policies in polling conducted during his second term. (pewresearch.org)
A separate UnidosUS release describing a large bipartisan poll of Hispanic voters similarly reports broad concern about the country’s direction and views about how immigration policy should prioritize deportations of dangerous criminals rather than long-residing immigrants without criminal records. (unidosus.org)
