A new national survey shows Americans remain sharply divided over immigration enforcement, with a slight majority saying the federal government is going too far on deportations — even as a growing share now argues it isn’t doing enough.
About 52% of U.S. adults say the Trump administration is doing “too much” to deport immigrants living in the country illegally, according to new data released this week, a figure that has held steady since last fall.
At the same time, the number of Americans who believe the government is doing “too little” has climbed to 15%, up from 10% in October — the highest level recorded since early 2025. Meanwhile, the share who say enforcement levels are “about right” has dropped significantly, falling from 47% last year to just 31% now.
The data underscores a widening divide in public opinion, with views closely tied to political affiliation and demographics. Democrats overwhelmingly say deportation efforts go too far, while Republicans are far more likely to say they don’t go far enough. Younger Americans, women, and people of color are also more likely to view current enforcement as excessive.
Beyond the scope of deportations, Americans also drew clear lines on how enforcement should be carried out.
Large majorities oppose immigration arrests in sensitive locations, including places of worship (71%), hospitals (67%), and schools (67%). By contrast, more Americans support enforcement actions in public or private settings like protests (62%), homes (56%), and workplaces (51%).
The findings come as immigration remains a central issue in national politics, with enforcement strategies, border policy, and deportation practices continuing to shape debate in Washington and across the country.
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