There has been nonstop, wall-to-wall coverage of the recent Los Angeles protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Despite media outrage, a YouGov poll this week found more Americans disapprove of the protests than approve. Additionally, a majority of Americans approve of the Trump Administration’s deportation program.
By The Numbers:
Forty-five percent of Americans say they disapprove of the LA protests against ICE, while just a third (36%) say they approve. Nineteen percent are not sure how they feel about the demonstrations.
A CBS News/YouGov poll found that 54% of Americans approve of the Trump Administration’s deportation program, and 46% disapprove. Forty-two percent of Americans believe Trump’s deportation program is “making the U.S. safer,” and just 30% say the program is making the U.S. “less safe.”
The Bottom Line: Americans are with Trump when it comes to illegal immigration. Republicans have the right position on the issue and Democrats have misplayed the issue so far. Democrats must walk a fine line now as they respond to the protests. Should they lean too far in support of the protests, they risk cementing their poor ratings as they appear to side with law breakers instead of with America’s safety. Republicans should let them and not overplay their own hand.
