1A Where Do Voters Stand On Donald Trump’s Immigration Enforcement?
Apr 1, 2026
Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the American Immigration Council, outlines enforcement impacts on workers and local economies. William A. Galston, Brookings senior fellow, analyzes public opinion and GOP strategy. They discuss shifting polls on federal raids, which sectors face the hardest hits, political coalitions fraying, and whether current tactics will force lasting reform.
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Interior Deportations Eroded Broad Support
- Public support for Trump's border enforcement remained strong but interior deportation efforts shifted many voters against him.
- William Galston ties declines among Republicans, independents, Hispanics, and young adults to broad deportation dragnet, tactics, and perceived diversion from the economy.
Raids Trigger Large Local Economic Ripple Effects
- Mass deportations and raids produced measurable local economic harm beyond just lost workers.
- Jeremy Robbins cites Central Valley workforce down 3%, schools down 22% attendance, and businesses reporting 50–82% sales drops after ICE actions.
Detentions Spiked Among Noncriminal Immigrants
- Interior enforcement tactics increased arrests of people with no criminal convictions dramatically.
- Jeremy Robbins notes detentions of people with no criminal contact skyrocketed 2,450% in one year under the administration's policies.