Trump’s Immigration Approval Slides to Lowest Point as Public Backing Weakens

BY MIRABEL ODETA

Public approval of President Donald Trump’s handling of immigration has fallen to its lowest level since his return to the White House, signaling mounting concerns among voters about the direction and intensity of his enforcement agenda. A new Ipsos poll conducted nationwide over four days found that only 38% of respondents believe the president is doing a good job managing immigration policy. That figure marks a slight decline from 39% recorded in January and a significant drop from the roughly 50% approval he enjoyed in the early months following his 2025 inauguration.

Immigration has been one of the defining pillars of Trump’s political identity. During the 2024 presidential campaign, he vowed to carry out the largest deportation operation in decades, framing the effort as necessary to restore border security and uphold the rule of law. Upon taking office in January 2025, his administration moved swiftly to implement sweeping immigration raids across multiple states. Federal agents in tactical gear became a more frequent presence in cities and towns, carrying out arrests and workplace enforcement operations that administration officials described as essential to national security.

However, the increased visibility and intensity of these operations have also sparked controversy. In several communities, protests erupted in response to aggressive enforcement actions. Clashes between demonstrators and federal agents drew national attention, amplifying debates over the balance between border enforcement and civil liberties. Critics argue that the tactics used in some operations have been overly forceful and risk undermining trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, while supporters maintain that strict measures are necessary to deter unlawful entry and protect American jobs.

The latest polling data suggest that the president may be losing ground among key groups that were instrumental in his electoral success. Male voters, who played a major role in Trump’s 2024 victory and had consistently shown relatively strong approval of his immigration stance throughout 2025, appear less supportive than before. The new survey indicates that 41% of men approve of his handling of immigration, a noticeable decline from figures that hovered close to 50% last year. Among women, approval has also dropped, falling from around 40% for much of 2025 to 35% in the most recent poll.

The erosion of support coincides with heightened scrutiny surrounding enforcement actions in Minnesota, where federal immigration operations became the subject of intense criticism. Following incidents that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens during enforcement activities, public backlash intensified and local leaders voiced concerns about oversight and accountability. In what many observers described as a rare retreat, the administration announced it would scale back its deportation surge in the state, signaling a willingness to adjust tactics in response to mounting pressure.

Despite these developments, the administration continues to defend its broader immigration strategy. Officials argue that strengthened enforcement has led to a measurable decline in unlawful border crossings and has reinforced the message that immigration laws will be upheld. They contend that while individual operations may generate controversy, the overarching objective remains the protection of national sovereignty and public safety.

Trump began his current term with an overall job approval rating of 47%, but recent polling shows his standing has remained at 38%, matching the lowest levels of his presidency so far. The Ipsos survey, which gathered responses from 1,117 U.S. adults and carries a margin of error of three percentage points, reflects a nation deeply divided over immigration policy. While a significant segment of the population continues to support a tough approach, others express growing unease over the tone and consequences of the administration’s enforcement efforts.

As immigration remains at the forefront of national debate, the president faces the challenge of maintaining support among his political base while addressing concerns from moderates and independent voters. With approval ratings showing signs of strain, the coming months may prove pivotal in determining whether his hardline immigration agenda continues to resonate with the American public or prompts further political headwinds.