President Donald Trump is confident that he aligns with public sentiment regarding illegal immigration and the riots in Los Angeles. Recent polling data seems to support his belief.
Since Saturday, Los Angeles has experienced riots triggered by a U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement operation that apprehended 150 individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants, part of the administration’s intensified enforcement strategy. This operation has led to widespread protests throughout the city, which have now expanded to demonstrations nationwide.
Amidst these events, Trump’s immigration policy continues to enjoy popularity, particularly among immigrant Americans, as indicated by a new CNN poll.
According to CNN’s Harry Enten, foreign-born voters have significantly shifted to the right on immigration issues in 2024 and 2025 compared to their stance in 2020, when Democrats had a 32-point lead among non-native voters.
“Fast forward to 2024 and 2025, observe that shift — a remarkable 40-point move to the right among immigrant voters! Republicans now have an 8-point advantage over Democrats on this matter. This trend is more pronounced than in any other demographic I could identify,” he elaborated. “The segment of voters that has adopted a more hawkish stance on immigration is, in fact, immigrants themselves, those who are registered to vote in this nation.”
The results reported by CNN align with those released just a day prior by CBS News, which indicated that a majority of Americans believe the president’s deportation strategy is focusing on dangerous criminals. A significant 54% of participants express support for Trump’s immigration policies, whereas 46% are opposed.
Overall, 42% of individuals think that the president’s immigration strategy is enhancing safety in the U.S., while 30% disagree.
The CBS survey was conducted shortly before the commencement of Saturday’s riots in Los Angeles, which have led to at least one fatality and numerous businesses being destroyed. In reaction, Trump has sent thousands of National Guard troops and Marines to restore order in the city.
Governor Newsom has accused Trump of exacerbating the situation on the ground, while the president has retaliated by labeling the 2028 candidate as “incompetent” regarding his management of the initial days of the riots. The two are currently engaged in a lawsuit concerning the federalization of 4,000 National Guard troops, which is anticipated to be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
These poll findings emerge amidst a wider increase in anti-illegal immigration initiatives by the Trump administration. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has instructed ICE officials to escalate their arrests to 3,000 daily as Trump’s travel ban on additional countries is implemented.
“If we had not undertaken the task, that location would be engulfed in flames,” Trump remarked to reporters on Monday, referring to California. “I believe we had no alternative… I do not wish to witness what has occurred repeatedly in this nation.”
Alex Padilla (D-CA), the senior senator from the state, informed the AP that “this is unequivocally a crisis of Trump’s own creation.”
“Many individuals are fervent about advocating for fundamental rights and upholding due process, yet the mobilization of the National Guard only exacerbates tensions and the circumstances,” Padilla stated. “This is precisely what Donald Trump aimed to achieve.”
