Anti-ICE protests: Majority of Americans back Trump's response
Voters called for more resistance from state and local authorities against violence at demonstrations. In addition, 51% believe that simply to "call" for resistance is inappropriate.
Marines protect a federal building in Los Angeles.
The first polls of Donald Trump's performance since the Los Angeles riots argue that, like since the beginning of his term, immigration measures remain his top-rated policy. All pollsters agree: immigration is where he performs best.
An aggregate of polls prepared by RealClear Polling shows that 50% of Americans are satisfied with the government's immigration policy, compared to 48% dissatisfied. Although together the six polls cover anti-ICE protests that were started in California and spread across the country, some ended before the first day of demonstrations. The two most recent, well into the protests, show support for Trump's immigration policy at 51% (Economist/YouGov) and 49% (Harvard-Harris).
Another poll done by NBC News Decision Desk showed 51% support as the president was sending the National Guard and Marines to California. An express poll by Reuters/Ipsos shows a more discouraging picture for the administration, whose approval on immigration issues would have dropped from 47% to 44% (though Trump's image held steady at 42%).
Sanctuary cities should protect ICE officers, 71% of Americans say
The most recent poll is that of Harvard Harris. Although that one shows that overall approval of Trump's immigration policy fell slightly (from 51% in May to 49% in June), his flagship measures remain mostly popular.
Sending the National Guard to control protests (56% approval), closing the border (63%) and his efforts to deport illegal immigrants who committed crimes (74%) received majority support.
On the latter, however, it is worth noting that while most agree with removing undocumented criminals from the country, and even sending them to foreign prisons (61%), 51% believe that people without a criminal record would have been "unfairly" deported. A similar percentage believe they should have a chance to defend themselves before being removed from the country.
Three in five Americans also agree that local or state officials should condemn violent resistance against immigration agents (68%) and that sanctuary cities or states should defend those same federal officials (71%).
In addition, more than half (51%) contend that just "to call for challenging and resisting federal agents carrying out deportation raids" is inappropriate.
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Response to anti-ICE protests
Trump's response to the Los Angeles demonstrations is among his highest-rated acts as president, according to Harvard Harris.
With 46% support, it shares third place with reducing the cost of government. Leading the list is "returning the U.S. to its values" with 46% approval.
Asked by YouGov, 45% of U.S. adults disapproved of the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. In addition, 56% argued that local and state authorities should step up and lead the response.
62% believe Ábrego García is a member of MS-13
The government admitted that he had been deported "by mistake" to that country because there was a ruling that prohibited sending him there, due to the risk to his life, but that he was a criminal who should be expelled. Upon arrival, he was indicted on federal charges for the alleged unlawful transportation of illegal immigrants.
Sixty-two percent of those polled by Harvard Harris said they knew about the case, and an equal percentage said they believed he was a member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) criminal gang, as the administration claims.
Ábrego García pleaded not guilty.
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