The deportation program introduced during the Trump administration has become a contentious issue among Americans. Recent opinions reflect a stark division, with Republican voters, especially MAGA supporters, showing strong approval compared to others. While earlier in Trump’s tenure the program enjoyed broad support, its approval ratings have become more evenly split since mid-summer.
Current Opinion on Trump’s Deportation Program
As of now, approval for the deportation program is slightly higher than in the previous month. One significant factor influencing public opinion is the perception of who is targeted for deportation. Many Americans are more supportive when they believe that criminals are prioritized.
Perceptions of ICE Actions
Recent surveys indicate a growing sentiment that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may be overly aggressive in their operations. About 50% of the population feels that ICE is too tough in detaining individuals. Furthermore, a majority believe that ICE officers should refrain from wearing masks while performing their duties.
- Roughly 25% support the deportation program while opposing mask-wearing for ICE agents.
- More than 50% think ICE is exercising too much power.
Link Between Policies and Migrant Crossings
A majority of respondents believe that Trump’s immigration policies contribute to a decline in migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border. Support for the deportation program appears connected to this perception, indicating that Americans associate effective border control with the current administration’s strategies.
Survey Details
This analysis is based on a CBS News/YouGov survey conducted from October 29 to October 31, 2025. The sample consisted of 2,124 adults across the United States, and it was weighted to reflect national demographics based on gender, age, race, and education. The margin of error for the survey is ±2.6 percentage points.
