Poll Shows Growing Anger Over Trump's Hardline Immigration Policies

Majority of Americans believe the president has gone 'too far' with deportation plans, including rising opposition from Republicans.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A new Washington Post–ABC News–Ipsos poll of 2,589 U.S. adults reveals that 58% believe President Donald Trump has gone 'too far' with his plans to deport undocumented immigrants, up from 50% last October. The poll also shows that more Republicans are turning on the president's signature campaign policy, with 16% expressing concern that the 79-year-old's deportation plans go too far, up from 13% in the previous survey. Trump's overall approval rating on his handling of immigration is also slipping significantly, down to 40% from 50% last year.

Why it matters

The issue of Trump's mass deportation has been particularly salient in Minneapolis, where immigration agents shot and killed U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti amid intense anti-ICE sentiment in the city. The poll results suggest growing public backlash against the administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics and policies.

The details

The poll found that around seven out of 10 Americans believe that 'less than half' or 'hardly any' of the immigrants deported since January 2025 were violent criminals. Minorities in the U.S. are also increasingly concerned that deportation policies are going too far, with 75% of Asian Americans and 76% of Black Americans believing the administration is overstepping.

  • The poll was conducted in February 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old President of the United States who has made hardline immigration and mass deportation policies a signature part of his administration.

Renee Good

A U.S. citizen who was killed by immigration agents in Minneapolis amid intense anti-ICE sentiment in the city.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen who was killed by immigration agents in Minneapolis amid intense anti-ICE sentiment in the city.

Kristi 'ICE Barbie' Noem

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who is facing calls for her replacement according to the poll.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The poll results suggest growing public backlash against the administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics and policies, which could put pressure on the White House and Department of Homeland Security to re-evaluate their approach.

The takeaway

This poll highlights the significant shift in public opinion against President Trump's hardline immigration policies, with even some Republicans voicing concern over the administration's deportation plans. The results underscore the political risks the president faces on this signature issue and could foreshadow challenges for the administration going forward.