Two recent national polls indicate that a majority of registered voters support deporting immigrants living in the United States illegally, with strong backing for the removal of those with criminal records.
A Harvard/Harris poll conducted from Oct.1–2 found that 56% of registered voters favor deporting all illegal immigrants, while 78 percent support deporting those who have been convicted of crimes.
Similarly, a New York Times/Siena College poll taken from September 22–27 reported that 54 percent of respondents support “deporting immigrants living in the United States illegally back to their home countries.” Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, stated that these results demonstrate ongoing public support for the enforcement agenda of the Trump administration.
“The American people, the law, and common sense are on our side, and we will not stop until law and order are restored,” McLaughlin said. “Law and order will win the day.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicated that these polling results reflect broad support for federal law enforcement officers and agents who carry out deportations, amid rising criticism and reports of confrontations with protesters.
In recent weeks, DHS officials have reported multiple incidents involving violence against federal immigration officers, including assaults and vehicle attacks. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has noted a sharp increase in assaults on agents this year.
Administration officials have also criticized some state and local politicians for opposing deportation efforts or supporting policies that provide public benefits to immigrants without legal status.
Despite the political divide, polling data from both Harvard/Harris and the New York Times/Siena surveys suggest that deportation policy remains broadly popular among the general electorate.
