A new national survey has revealed that nearly half of American voters now support ICE raids aimed at deporting illegal immigrants, especially those with serious criminal records. The Cygnal poll, conducted July 1–2 among 1,500 likely general election voters, found that 49.5% of respondents are in favor of the raids, while 47.5% oppose them. Only 3% said they were unsure.
This shift in public opinion appears to be driven by recent reports of ICE enforcement actions across the country. DHS officials say many of those targeted in these raids have violent or disturbing criminal histories. In Los Angeles, ICE agents apprehended Gerardo Antonio-Palacios, a previously deported Mexican national with convictions for homicide and burglary. Another detainee, Noel Acosta-Moya from Venezuela, had been convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a child under 13. Additional arrests included drug traffickers, murderers, and individuals convicted of sexually abusing minors.
ICE operations in Miami, Minneapolis, and other cities have revealed similarly troubling cases. In Minneapolis, several Laotian and Thai nationals were arrested with convictions for second-degree sexual assault of children, sexual abuse of minors, and soliciting children online. DHS noted that while many illegal immigrants are labeled “non-criminals,” the lack of a U.S. rap sheet doesn’t mean they’re harmless. The department emphasized that some are suspected terrorists or gang members whose crimes occurred abroad.
These developments seem to be influencing political sentiment. The survey showed that 89% of Republicans support ICE raids, while 86% of Democrats oppose them. Among independents, 52% are against the raids, but a sizable 42% support them—a notable shift in the political center. With crimes like child molestation, rape, and murder tied to individuals living in the country illegally, public safety has taken center stage in the immigration debate.
Trump’s former border czar Tom Homan pledged to “flood the zone” with enforcement in sanctuary cities, signaling a much tougher approach moving forward. Homan argued that failing to crack down on illegal immigration puts American families at risk. His remarks follow increasing scrutiny of cities and states that refuse to cooperate with ICE, often releasing known criminals back into the community.
The political implications of the poll are significant. Democrats, already struggling with voter dissatisfaction on economic and foreign policy issues, may now face additional backlash over immigration. Critics accuse progressive leaders of prioritizing political correctness over public safety. Meanwhile, Trump and Republicans are doubling down on calls to secure the border and remove dangerous individuals from the country.
The Cygnal poll carries a margin of error of ±2.51%, but the trend is unmistakable: the American public is losing patience with policies that appear to protect criminals over citizens. As ICE raids continue and more shocking arrests come to light, support for immigration enforcement is likely to remain a potent issue heading into the 2026 midterms.
