Brace yourself for a political curveball: President Donald Trump’s immigration policies are losing ground with voters, according to a fresh Rasmussen Reports survey.
According to the Washington Examiner, a recent poll of likely voters reveals a slip in support for Trump’s border security and deportation efforts, with 45% rating his performance as “good to excellent” and a troubling 52% marking it as “fair to poor.”
Drilling down, 34% of respondents gave Trump high marks with an “excellent” rating, but a heftier 44% slapped him with a “poor” grade. That’s a wake-up call for any administration pushing a hardline stance on border control. Could this signal a crack in the base?
The partisan split couldn’t be clearer: 76% of Republicans stand firmly behind Trump’s agenda to secure the border and deport unauthorized migrants. Meanwhile, 78% of Democrats are shaking their heads in disapproval. It’s the same old song—red and blue rarely harmonize on this issue.
Independents, often the tiebreakers, aren’t exactly cheering either. Only 39% gave Trump a thumbs-up with “good to excellent” ratings, while 56% leaned toward “fair to poor.” That’s a tough crowd to win over when you’re already on shaky ground.
Adding fuel to the fire, the survey dropped just after Trump floated the idea of easing up on migrant farm and hospitality workers during his national crackdown. Critics pounced, accusing him of inching toward “amnesty” for these groups. It’s a word that sets conservative teeth on edge.
Trump and his inner circle have pushed back hard against the amnesty whispers. They’ve made it crystal clear: no free passes for unauthorized migrants, period. But the chatter alone seems to have rattled some supporters. “I was reliably informed by Ms. Rollins herself that there would be NO AMNESTY,” posted Mark Mitchell of Rasmussen Reports on social media. Well, that’s a firm line in the sand, but skepticism lingers when public perception is already souring. Are voters buying the denial?
Secretary Brooke Rollins doubled down, stating, “The mass deportations continue, but they just continue within the big cities, get the bad guys out first.” That’s a pragmatic focus—targeting threats over optics. But will it reassure those who fear a softer stance?
Then there’s the eyebrow-raising proposal dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” a temporary detention site in the Florida Everglades for unauthorized migrants awaiting deportation. The Rasmussen survey shows a near split: 48% of voters approve, while 46% give it a hard pass. Talk about a swampy debate.
“‘Alligator Alcatraz’ divides voters,” noted Rasmussen’s analysis. And no kidding—pitching a holding facility in a gator-infested marsh is bound to stir up strong feelings. Is this bold innovation or a step too far?
Breaking it down by group, 80% of Republicans are all in for this unconventional detention plan. On the flip side, 69% of Democrats and 52% of independents are saying no thanks. It’s another stark reminder of how polarized this issue remains.
Secretary Rollins also pointed to existing frameworks like the H-2A visa program for agricultural workers, stressing, “The border has to be secure.” It’s a nod to legal pathways, but critics might argue it’s a distraction from the bigger picture. Secure borders mean little if trust is eroding.
Rasmussen’s analysis summed up the detention controversy with, “The Trump administration’s plan to detain [migrants] at a site in the Florida Everglades dubbed ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is popular with Republican voters, but not so much with others.” That’s putting it mildly—outside the GOP, this idea is sinking faster than a canoe in a swamp. Still, creativity in tackling border challenges deserves a fair hearing.
As the survey data—shared with the political outlet Secrets—makes rounds, the Trump administration faces a tightrope walk. Balancing a firm stance on unauthorized migration with voter concerns over perceived leniency or extreme measures like “Alligator Alcatraz” won’t be easy. But if there’s one thing this presidency thrives on, it’s defying the odds with grit and strategy.
