Trump’s Stance on Immigration Loses Ground
A recent poll by Reuters/Ipsos indicates a decline in President Trump’s approval regarding immigration policies. The poll reveals that 40% of registered voters favor the Republican approach, while 38% lean towards the Democrats. This narrow gap marks the lowest approval of Trump’s second term. In January 2025, following his inauguration, Republicans enjoyed a significant 26-point lead.
The White House dismisses claims that Trump’s approval ratings indicate vulnerability. Davis Ingle, a spokesperson, emphasized Trump’s accomplishments, including job creation, cooling inflation, and enhancing housing affordability.
Immigration Policy Popularity Wanes
Despite Republicans’ initial popularity on immigration, recent issues have influenced public perception. Incidents involving deadly confrontations, detainee deaths, and increased child detentions have sparked criticism. The Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted over four days with 1,166 adult participants, shows a 3-point error margin.
Decline in Immigration Policy Approval
When Trump resumed office in January 2025, his immigration policy had a 48% approval rating. His hardline stance was pivotal during the 2024 re-election campaign. By June, this approval dropped to 44% amid protests following ICE raids in Los Angeles, prompting Trump to deploy the California National Guard, which faced backlash from Governor Gavin Newsom and others.
Similar protests erupted in major cities across the U.S., leading to further disapproval. The February 2026 ICE operation in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, tied to fraud allegations, resulted in two fatalities, prompting national protests and lowering approval to 38%.
The recent fatal shooting of a Colombian motorist by ICE continued to fuel concerns. In 2025, ICE custody deaths reached 30, the highest since 2004. By mid-2026, 18 deaths have already occurred.
Overall Approval Rating Drops
Beyond immigration, Trump’s second-term approval rating has hit a new low. According to the poll, 33% of respondents approve of his presidency, while 64% disapprove. The ongoing war in Iran is a key factor, with stalled peace talks raising concerns. The conflict has affected global oil trade, driving up gasoline prices.
In response, Trump defended his actions, stating, “I’ll never apologize. I did the right thing.” The poll shows voter preference for Democrats on economic issues, with a 38% to 35% advantage.
Future Implications
The narrowing gap on immigration could signal challenges for Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections. Although a strong suit for Trump, Democrats gaining an edge could impact key races. The coming months will reveal if enforcement tactics continue to sway public opinion or if Republicans regain their earlier advantage.