Trump Immigration Agenda Loses Support Among Independents

Poll shows decline in approval of Trump's deportation tactics and ICE actions among independent voters.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A new AP-NORC poll shows a decline in approval of President Trump's immigration agenda among independent voters. The poll found that 60% of Americans say Trump has 'gone too far' with sending federal immigration enforcement officers to U.S. cities, and 66% of independents have a negative view of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Independents are concerned about Trump's deportation tactics and the actions of federal agencies like ICE.

Why it matters

The erosion of support for Trump's immigration policies among independent voters could have significant political implications, as this group is seen as crucial in determining the outcome of elections. The poll results suggest the administration's aggressive immigration enforcement approach may be alienating some moderate and swing voters.

The details

The poll found that approval of Trump's handling of immigration has declined 14 points among independents since March 2025, down to 23%. Six in 10 independents say the president's deportations of immigrants living legally in the U.S. has 'gone too far,' and 7 in 10 independents also say Trump has 'gone too far' with sending federal immigration enforcement officers to U.S. cities. Overall, 60% of Americans say Trump has 'gone too far' with these tactics.

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

The players

President Trump

The 45th President of the United States, whose immigration enforcement policies and tactics have faced growing criticism, especially among independent voters.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that carries out immigration enforcement actions, which has faced increasing scrutiny and negative perceptions among the public.

Rick Kinnett

An independent voter from Crawfordsville, Indiana who expressed concerns about Trump's immigration enforcement tactics, saying 'This is not what I signed up for. This is not what we're supposed to do. This is not constitutional.'

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Rick Kinnett, Independent voter (The Associated Press)

The takeaway

The erosion of support for Trump's hardline immigration policies among independent voters could signal political trouble for the administration, as this key demographic appears to be growing increasingly concerned about the tactics used to enforce the president's deportation agenda.