Poll: Americans say the White House has shifted its deportation campaign. They’re still not buying it.

Americans remain skeptical of the White House's approach to immigration, despite recent changes in the administration's deportation campaign. According to a new POLITICO Poll, half of Americans, including a quarter of Trump's 2024 voters, still believe the president's mass deportation policy is too aggressive. This sentiment has remained consistent since January and April, despite the administration's efforts to minimize public clashes with community members and protesters.

Non-MAGA Trump voters are twice as likely as self-identified MAGA voters to express concerns about the administration's deportation strategy. The poll indicates that while some Americans acknowledge a shift in how deportations are conducted following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, this change has not resulted in a significant increase in trust in the administration's immigration policies.

Roughly 44% of those who perceive a shift remain unconvinced, with a smaller percentage showing increased trust. Among Trump voters who noticed the shift, nearly half feel it has made no difference to their level of trust. Republicans are grappling with their messaging and policy approach on immigration, as the party once thrived on border security and public safety.

Strategists argue that the White House's strategy of targeting high-profile arrests may boost arrest numbers but risks alienating voters who prefer a more targeted approach focused on deporting individuals who have committed serious crimes. The White House maintains that it is fulfilling its promise to remove criminals from communities, but the visual impact of the chaotic enforcement efforts may be overshadowing the administration's messaging.