Republicans' Edge on Immigration Shrinks as Independents Balk at Trump's Tactics

AP-NORC poll shows growing discomfort among independents with President Trump's immigration enforcement methods

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A new AP-NORC poll suggests that political independents are increasingly uncomfortable with President Trump's tactics on immigration enforcement, with about 6 in 10 U.S. adults saying Trump has 'gone too far' in sending federal agents into American cities. The Republican Party's advantage on the issue has also shrunk since October, with about 3 in 10 U.S. adults now trusting Republicans to better handle immigration compared to a similar share trusting Democrats.

Why it matters

The poll results indicate a shift in public opinion on immigration, with independents moving away from supporting Trump's hardline approach. This could have significant political implications, as independents are a crucial voting bloc. The findings also raise questions about the long-term viability of the Republican Party's immigration platform if they are unable to maintain support from a broader cross-section of the electorate.

The details

The AP-NORC poll found that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults approve of Trump's handling of immigration, a figure that has remained steady over the past month. However, the Republican Party's advantage on the issue has shrunk, with about 3 in 10 U.S. adults now trusting Republicans to better handle immigration compared to a similar share trusting Democrats. The poll also found that about 6 in 10 Americans believe Trump has 'gone too far' in using federal law enforcement at public protests in U.S. cities.

  • The poll was conducted from February 5-8, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has made immigration a signature issue of his administration.

Brenda Shaw

A 65-year-old independent human resources manager from South Haven, Michigan.

Teviss Crawford

A 20-year-old student from Baton Rouge, Louisiana who supports Trump's immigration policies.

Rick Kinnett

A 60-year-old independent Navy veteran from Crawfordsville, Indiana who is critical of Trump's immigration tactics.

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What they’re saying

“I am glad that immigrants aren't just flooding across the border, but what he's doing now in our cities, pitting the military against our people, these are gestapo tactics. They're shooting U.S. citizens in the face and in the back.”

— Brenda Shaw, independent human resources manager (AP-NORC poll)

“I don't think the deportations have been enough, to be honest. I think it's much too lax. If you crossed into our country illegally, it's just not right. You're taking things away from people who were born here.”

— Teviss Crawford, student (AP-NORC poll)

“Having the border shut, that's OK. But what Trump is doing with ICE and Homeland Security? You don't go yanking people out of cars. You don't go shooting people. I spent eight years in the military. This is not what I signed up for. This is not what we're supposed to do. This is not constitutional.”

— Rick Kinnett, Navy veteran (AP-NORC poll)

What’s next

The poll results suggest that Trump's hardline immigration tactics could become a political liability for Republicans heading into the 2026 midterm elections, as independents appear to be growing increasingly uncomfortable with his approach.

The takeaway

The shifting public opinion on immigration enforcement, particularly among political independents, highlights the challenges the Republican Party may face in maintaining its traditional advantage on the issue. As the 2026 elections approach, both parties will need to carefully navigate this complex and divisive topic.