A majority of Americans oppose recent immigration raids carried out by federal authorities as well as early U.S. strikes on Iran, while supporting the administration on several other issues, according to a new poll.
The survey by NBC News found that 54% of registered voters oppose immigration enforcement tactics carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), compared with 44% who support them.
Respondents also gave negative ratings to Donald Trump’s handling of foreign policy and Iran. The poll showed a 43% approval rating and 54% disapproval on foreign policy overall, while his approach toward Iran drew 41% approval and 54% disapproval.
The poll surveyed 1,000 registered voters between Feb. 27 and March 3, shortly after the United States carried out missile strikes targeting sites in Iran.
Economic concerns remain a major issue for voters. On the cost of living, only 36% approved of the administration’s handling of the issue, while 62% disapproved.
Support on border and sanctuary city policies
Despite criticism of immigration raids, respondents expressed support for some of Trump’s broader immigration policies.
A plurality of voters viewed sanctuary cities negatively. These jurisdictions limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The poll found 43% of voters held negative views of such policies, compared with 33% who viewed them positively.
Trump also received a positive rating on general border security, with 53% approving and 44% disapproving.
Some Republicans, however, have raised concerns about the intensity of recent enforcement actions.
Thom Tillis, a Republican senator from North Carolina, said aggressive raids by immigration authorities may have shifted public opinion.
“We’ve lost the debate over immigration and deportations,” Tillis said during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union.
Leadership changes at Homeland Security
Trump recently removed Kristi Noem from her position as Secretary of Homeland Security and nominated Markwayne Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, as her replacement.
Tillis said he hopes the leadership change will help the administration regain control of the department and strengthen Republican messaging on immigration policy.
Immigration and border security were among Trump’s strongest issues during the 2024 presidential election campaign.
Political outlook ahead of midterms
The poll also examined voter preferences ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Respondents said they would prefer Democrats to control Congress by a margin of 50% to 44%, with 6% undecided. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
However, Republicans continue to hold advantages on several key policy issues. Voters said they trust Republicans more on border security (53% to 26%), crime (47% to 25%), and immigration (46% to 34%).
Democrats were viewed more favorably on protecting constitutional rights (46% to 39%), safeguarding democracy (47% to 36%), and healthcare (48% to 28%).
On the economy, voters were evenly split, with both parties receiving 40% support.