NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
President Donald Trump’s approval rating on immigration has surged to its highest level ever, according to CNN’s senior data reporter Harry Enten. Speaking Monday, Enten noted that public support for Trump’s immigration policies has seen a dramatic turnaround compared to his first term in office.
“Trump’s net approval on immigration is now at +1,” Enten said on-air, highlighting a remarkable 22-point swing from June 2017, when his approval stood at -21. “No issue shows a bigger improvement for Trump than immigration,” he added.
The polling bump comes amid fresh turmoil in Los Angeles, where riots erupted following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations that resulted in the arrest of at least 44 individuals in the country illegally. According to the Department of Homeland Security, all those arrested had prior convictions, including for violent crimes such as second-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and attempted rape.
The arrests sparked unrest in several parts of the city, with rioters setting vehicles on fire, launching Molotov cocktails, and vandalizing property. Graffiti reading “KILL ICE” appeared near federal buildings.
In response, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, a decision that was met with strong resistance from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Newsom labeled the deployment “illegal,” while Bass warned it would escalate tensions.
Despite the backlash from state and city officials, polling data indicates broad public support for the administration’s actions. A CBS News poll released Monday shows 54% of Americans support mass deportation efforts, and 51% approve of ICE agents conducting operations to locate illegal immigrants within communities.
Enten emphasized that Trump is now outperforming Democrats on immigration by significant margins. A recent Ipsos poll gave Republicans a 19-point lead over Democrats on the issue, while both CNN and CBS surveys showed a 6-point Republican advantage.
“No matter which poll you look at, the American public is siding with Republicans—and with Trump—on immigration,” Enten said.
Border Czar Tom Homan confirmed ICE operations will continue in Los Angeles. Asked about Newsom’s objections, Trump responded bluntly: “If I were Tom Homan, I would arrest him. He’s a nice guy but grossly incompetent.”
Immigration remains a top concern for voters heading into 2024, where Trump’s renewed focus on enforcement is resonating strongly nationwide.
