Two major polls released on Monday reveal a clear divide in how Americans view the current immigration crackdown. While voters broadly support enforcing the law, they are increasingly wary of “random” enforcement tactics. The data suggests a strong mandate for deporting criminals, even as public confidence in ICE begins to waver.
The latest survey from Cygnal shows that 61% of likely midterm voters support deporting those in the country illegally. This outpaces opposition by a nearly 2-to-1 margin. A significant 73% of respondents agree that entering the U.S. without permission is a violation of the law.
“Americans want the law enforced,” said Cygnal founder Brent Buchanan. He noted that voters appear ready to punish politicians who attempt to block ICE from doing its job. According to the poll, Democratic calls to defund the agency could swing the generic ballot four points in favor of Republicans.
However, a separate Harvard-Harris poll offers a more nuanced look at the public mood. While 73% of voters support deporting illegal immigrants who have committed significant crimes, that support drops to 44% if the enforcement is perceived as “random.” The poll was conducted shortly after the fatal shootings in Minneapolis, which appear to have impacted sentiment.
Currently, 55% of voters disapprove of how agencies are enforcing laws in U.S. cities. A plurality of 44% believes ICE should only target individuals with criminal records rather than performing broad sweeps. Despite this, two-thirds of Americans still believe local officials should cooperate with federal authorities to remove criminal aliens.
The Trump administration has touted these numbers as a victory for its “law and order” agenda. Officials point to the high support for removing “the worst of the worst” as proof of a national mandate. Yet, with 57% of voters saying ICE has “gone too far,” the administration faces a delicate balancing act heading into the 2026 midterms.
Key Polling Insights (January 2026)
| Policy / Issue | Support % | Opposition % |
| Deporting Criminal Illegal Aliens | 73% | 27% |
| Entering U.S. Without Permission Is Illegal | 73% | 27% |
| Broad Support For Deportations (Cygnal) | 61% | 34% |
| ICE Conducting “Random” Sweeps | 44% | 56% |
| Local Officials Cooperating With ICE | 67% | 33% |