Washington, July 20, 2025 – A new CNN-SSRS poll demonstrates a dramatic decrease in public support for President Donald Trump’s increased deportation strategy. A majority of Americans now believe his administration has gone too far when targeting undocumented immigrants–indicating a significant gulf between its immigration agenda and public sentiment.
Widespread Disapproval
According to the poll, 55% of Americans say Trump’s deportation efforts have gone too far–an increase from 44% in February. Furthermore, 59% oppose arrest and detention of long-term undocumented immigrants, further emphasizing public discontent with this process.
Ground News.
CNN Findings Illustrate Shifting Public View on Immigration
CNN findings support data indicating an evolving public perspective regarding immigration. Gallup and Pew polls have shown that support for reducing overall immigration has diminished from 55% in 2024 to just 30% by 2025; nearly 80% of Americans view immigration positively now.
CNN data also demonstrates that 49% believe President Donald Trump’s tactics–ranging from raids and workplace sweeps–overstep constitutional and moral boundaries, while 54% disapprove of ICE workplace operations
Reddit + The Daily Beast.
Trump Immigration Approval Slump
Public approval of Donald Trump’s immigration approach has reached a record low. A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed 51% disapprove, which marked his lowest immigration approval rating during his presidency (The Daily Beast +1) and The Washington Post both contributed an identical 1 to this story.
With only 28% in favor of military-style workplace raids and 54% opposed, data suggests a broad-based backlash within society at large, according to Herald Sun +13 The Daily Beast and other sources.
Hardline Measures Don’t Work
Although Trump administration strategies such as raids, media events, and mass deportation announcements have received strong public displays–raids, media events and mass deportation announcements–they have not generated widespread support among his constituents. Indeed, monthly deportations averaged 14700 during February to April; less than during Obama’s peak. This highlights an apparent disconnect between rhetoric and execution as detailed by The Washington Post (+1).
The Washington Post described the policy as being “massively disruptive”, harming construction and agriculture industries and prompting mounting opposition – fuelling mounting opposition towards it in those industries.
Political Implications Analysts warn that Trump’s public posture could suffer due to this shift, with moderates and independents who will be key votes in the 2026 midterms, even some Republicans showing concern over aggressive immigration enforcement (The Daily Beast).
Vox. A key warning signaled by this finding: 78% now support legalization for long-term undocumented residents and Dreamers, suggesting that while some enforcement may remain acceptable, mass deportations is no longer politically viable, according to Wikipedia, The Daily Beast, The Washington Post etc.
Response from the Administration
Despite increasing disapproval, President Donald Trump and his administration have doubled down, carrying out high-profile ICE raids and deportation flights with increasing intensity. Internal adjustments were implemented after backlash: workplace raids on hotels and farms were temporarily suspended after labor pressure, before being reinstated days later – as reported by The Daily Beast.
Experts contend that this dramatic public change indicates a strong desire for reform of immigration policies–blending enforcement measures with legal frameworks like legalization pathways and judicial reform. Without such adjustments, polls suggest an increasing resistance to aggressive approaches; reflecting national consensus that immigration should be handled thoughtfully and humanely.