A new national survey released by TIPP Insights reveals a decisive shift in public sentiment toward stricter immigration enforcement, lending strong support to President Donald Trump’s law-and-order stance. The results underscore a growing national appetite for restored border control, legal immigration pathways, and the firm prosecution of those who obstruct law enforcement operations-regardless of broader political affiliation.
According to the poll, conducted June 9-11 during a period of escalating tensions between Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom, a broad cross-section of Americans signaled their endorsement of tough immigration policies. The timing of the survey-following a violent weekend of street clashes in Los Angeles-provided a revealing backdrop, helping to gauge national reaction to the chaos and political response.
Among those surveyed, a striking 68% said individuals who interfere with immigration enforcement efforts or engage in violence during deportation operations must face criminal charges. Only 21% dismissed such legal action as unimportant. Support among men was even higher, with 74% backing prosecutions. Perhaps more surprising to some observers, 64% of Hispanic respondents-a group often portrayed as uniformly pro-immigrant-agreed with criminal consequences for those disrupting law enforcement.
This data flies in the face of conventional narratives often promoted by progressive media outlets and immigration advocacy groups. It also presents a sharp contrast to the Biden administration’s perceived leniency at the border, which critics argue has created dangerous conditions, not only for American citizens but for migrants themselves.
Interestingly, the survey found that support for law-and-order immigration enforcement extends even beyond Trump’s typical base. Despite a negative job approval rating of -7% (43% approve, 50% disapprove), a large share of respondents still praised Trump’s performance on border control. In fact, 65% of all respondents, including 63% of independents, credited Trump for restoring operational control over the US-Mexico border, compared to what many perceived as the Biden administration’s chaotic handling of illegal crossings.
The key metric here is “gotaways”-illegal border crossers who evade apprehension. Under Biden, the number of gotaways surged, reflecting weakened border enforcement. In contrast, the survey asserts a 95% decrease in such incidents under Trump’s renewed border operations. These numbers point to what many view as a return to national sovereignty and public safety, long-demanded by working-class Americans.
The survey was conducted on behalf of the League of American Workers, a pro-labor advocacy group that supports controlled immigration as a means to protect domestic workers. The group’s message-backed by this polling-contends that orderly immigration policies help maintain fair wages, protect community resources, and foster lawful assimilation for new Americans.
Equally telling is the political migration of immigrant communities themselves. According to CNN’s senior data analyst Harry Enten, no voter group has shifted more significantly toward the political right from 2020 to 2024 than immigrant voters. In 2020, Trump lost this demographic by 22 points. By 2024, he was at parity with Biden-a historic realignment that defies traditional assumptions.
This shift suggests that legal immigrants-those who followed a lengthy and often arduous process to obtain citizenship-deeply resent what they view as unfair shortcuts for illegal entrants. Many of them see mass, unregulated migration not only as unlawful but as an affront to their own journeys and values.
When asked about mass deportations, a central pillar of Trump’s immigration policy, 60% of Americans voiced support, with only 32% in opposition-a commanding +28% margin in favor. Support was strongest among older Americans: 65% of seniors back deportations, with 41% stating they “strongly” support the measure. The survey also revealed that 64% of Catholics approve of Trump’s deportation plans, opposing them by a +35% margin. This runs counter to messaging from certain Catholic clergy and advocacy organizations that have aligned with progressive immigration stances.
These results point to a deeper cultural and political undercurrent in the United States. Despite efforts by elite media and political figures to label strict immigration enforcement as xenophobic or anti-immigrant, the American public appears to view it as common-sense governance. Across racial, ethnic, and religious boundaries, respondents endorsed an immigration process that is rigorous, fair, and above all, legal.
Critics of President Biden’s immigration strategy have long warned that open-border policies invite disorder, enrich human traffickers, and burden local communities. The rising crime associated with sanctuary cities, as well as highly publicized acts of violence involving undocumented individuals, has hardened public opinion. The latest data reinforces the notion that Americans prioritize stability, safety, and a clear rule of law.
For Trump and his allies, these polling numbers represent not just a policy endorsement but a political opportunity. While his overall approval rating remains underwater, his handling of immigration stands out as a rare point of bipartisan consensus. Even voters who remain skeptical of Trump personally acknowledge his effectiveness in restoring border security.
In a deeply polarized political environment, such high levels of cross-party agreement are rare. The implication is clear: Americans are tired of the chaos and want leadership that reflects their desire for national order and accountability.
As the 2024 election cycle intensifies, immigration is poised to remain a defining issue. Trump’s America First platform, once derided as extreme, now appears to represent the mainstream view on immigration policy. Whether driven by security concerns, economic anxiety, or a sense of national identity, the electorate’s appetite for stronger borders and lawful migration continues to grow.
In the end, Americans want their laws enforced, their communities safe, and their voices heard. This survey sends an unmistakable message to political leaders of all stripes: lawlessness will not be tolerated, and sovereignty is not up for debate.