Reuters/Ipsos Poll: Republicans Divided Over Trump’s Strict Immigration Policies

Recent developments indicate a growing division among Republicans regarding immigration enforcement policies. A Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that while President Donald Trump maintains a high approval rating among Republicans, support for his administration’s aggressive immigration tactics is waning.

Poll Results: Division Within Republican Supporters

The survey, conducted on January 15, 2023, showed that 95% of Republican respondents approved of Trump’s overall performance. However, when questioned about immigration tactics, 59% favored a focus on maintaining high arrest numbers, even at the risk of harm to individuals. In contrast, 39% preferred that immigration officers prioritize reducing harm, despite potentially resulting in fewer arrests.

Public Sentiment on Immigration Enforcement

Trump’s immigration policies have faced increasing scrutiny, particularly following the shooting death of community activist Renee Good in a January 7 incident in Minneapolis. This situation brought national attention to the aggressive tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

• Good, age 37, was filmed criticizing immigration enforcement before she was fatally shot.
• Activists described her as a peaceful protester, which intensified public outrage.
• After her death, the Trump administration labeled her a “domestic terrorist.”

The controversy surrounding Good’s death has sparked protests nationwide. Activists argue that her shooting exemplifies the violent consequences of current immigration policies. Republican political strategist Jason Cabel Roe emphasized that the incident humanizes the impact of aggressive immigration actions.

Nationwide Protests and Reactions

The fallout resulted in protests in multiple cities, particularly in Minneapolis, where demonstrators clashed with immigration officers. Reports indicate that officers deployed tear gas and used physical force to disperse crowds. Tensions escalated further when an immigration officer shot a Venezuelan man during a separate incident amid the protests.

Trump’s Immigration Approval Rating Declines

Despite historically stronger support for immigration policy, the latest poll reveals a drop in Trump’s approval rating in this area. His immigration approval rating slid to 40%, the lowest since the start of his presidency. In comparison, Trump’s overall job approval decreased slightly to 41%.

Comparative Approval Ratings

Here’s a summary of Trump’s approval ratings:

While Trump’s immigration policy has been a cornerstone of his administration, recent events have sparked significant debate within the Republican party. The challenge now is how to navigate these divisions as the 2024 presidential election approaches.