The article analyzes the fluctuating public opinion regarding immigration enforcement under President Trump's administration. Initially, Trump's tough stance on immigration was popular, particularly his focus on border security. However, his mass-deportation campaign, characterized by aggressive ICE tactics and arrests of immigrants without criminal records, led to a significant drop in his approval ratings on the issue.
The article highlights several instances of controversial ICE arrests, showcasing the emotional and often chaotic nature of the enforcement. This has led many Americans to compare the tactics to those of authoritarian regimes, further eroding public support for aggressive enforcement.
Polling data shows that while support for deporting violent criminals is high, there's less enthusiasm for deporting immigrants without criminal records. The article suggests that the administration's overreach, coupled with the negative imagery of ICE's actions, has contributed to the decline in support.
Despite the decline in public support, the Republican-backed budget includes tens of billions for the Department of Homeland Security to continue the mass-deportation campaign. This injection of capital may exacerbate the conflict, as the administration's aggressive approach continues.
The article draws parallels between Trump's administration's approach and the Biden administration's approach to immigration, suggesting both overreached and created negative imagery. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of due process and the potential for increased conflict if the Trump administration continues its current strategy.