Trump's Harsh Immigration Tactics Facing Political Backlash

New polls show majority of Americans feel federal agents have "gone too far" in enforcing immigration laws.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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President Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics are taking a political toll, with new polls showing a majority of Americans, including independent voters, disapproving of the job federal immigration agents are doing. The outcry over what many saw as militant tactics has intensified after several incidents, including the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by immigration officers in Minnesota. Trump has acknowledged the need for a "softer touch" but is still defending his "deportation agenda."

Why it matters

Immigration has been a signature issue for Trump, helping propel him to the presidency twice. But the political fallout from his hardline tactics could hurt Republicans, especially in the upcoming midterm elections where independent voters are expected to play a major role.

The details

After months of aggressive immigration enforcement, Trump's signature issue is now turning into a liability. A new NPR/Marist poll shows that six in 10 Americans disapprove of the job federal immigration agents are doing. Even typically loyal Republican supporters, like Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, have called on the Trump administration to make changes and rebuild trust with law enforcement. In response, Trump has shaken up the leadership of the Minneapolis operation and directed his team to withdraw 700 federal officers, though it's unclear what a "softer touch" actually means.

  • In February 2026, new polls showed a majority of Americans feel federal immigration agents have "gone too far".
  • The outcry over militant tactics hit a fever pitch after the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by immigration officers in Minnesota.

The players

President Trump

The President of the United States whose harsh immigration tactics are facing political backlash.

Alex Conant

A veteran Republican strategist who said Trump's immigration issue is now a liability, especially for independent voters.

Greg Abbott

The Republican Governor of Texas who has called on the Trump administration to make changes and rebuild trust with law enforcement on immigration enforcement.

Theresa Cardinal Brown

An immigration policy expert who worked under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and now a member of the Council on National Security and Immigration.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary who defended the administration's immigration enforcement efforts.

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What they’re saying

“The base loves it, but it's an issue for the independent voters who decide elections in this country. Independents want a strong border and they want to deport criminals, but they're really uneasy with having masked federal agents going around in neighborhoods, deporting anyone that they see — as the Democrats are portraying it.”

— Alex Conant, Republican strategist (NPR)

“They, being the White House, need to recalibrate on what needs to be done to make sure that that respect is going to be re-instilled.”

— Greg Abbott, Texas Governor (Conservative radio)

“I learned that, maybe we can use a little bit of a softer touch. But you still have to be tough. We're dealing with really hard criminals.”

— President Trump (NBC News)

“Nearly eight in ten Americans say criminal illegal aliens should be deported. A solid majority also support deporting all illegal aliens, regardless of additional crimes.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (White House)

“Operationally, you're not really thinking about politics as you're putting together an operation, said Brown, now a member of the Council on National Security and Immigration. "But politics comes into everything, right?”

— Theresa Cardinal Brown, Immigration policy expert (NPR)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.