Polls: Majority Support Deportation of Illegal Immigrants

Polling data during the last twelve months Show a majority of Americans support the concept of deporting all undocumented immigrants, though support varies depending on how questions are framed and what specifics are included. 

Here’s a detailed look at four polls:

Axios/Ipsos Poll (January 10-12, 2025): This poll found that two-thirds (approximately 66%) of Americans support deporting immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally as a general concept. However, support dropped significantly when specific deportation methods were outlined, such as using active-duty military (38% support) or separating families (34% support). The poll, conducted with a nationally representative sample of 1,025 adults, highlighted strong partisan divides, with 93% of Republicans, 67% of independents, and 43% of Democrats supporting deportations in principle. Support for deporting legally present immigrants was much lower, at about 10% overall.

January 2025 Times/Ipsos poll: The poll, conducted from January 2-10, 2025, with 2,128 U.S. adults, found that 55% support deporting all immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, a 13-point margin over the 41% who oppose it. Stronger support exists for deporting specific groups: 87% favor deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records, and 63% support deporting those who entered illegally during the Biden administration’s last four years. Notably, 54% of Hispanics and 44% of Democrats also back deporting recent arrivals from that period.

Scripps News/Ipsos Poll (September 13-15, 2024): This survey reported that 54% of voters supported mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, including 86% of Republicans and 25% of Democrats. Conducted with 1,027 adults, the poll also noted that support for restrictive immigration policies, like limiting asylum, was strong (55% of Democrats supported asylum restrictions). The poll underscored immigration as a top voter concern alongside inflation.

CBS News/YouGov Poll (June 4-6, 2025): This poll found that 62% of Americans supported a program to deport all undocumented immigrants, with particularly strong backing from Republicans. However, support waned when respondents considered economic impacts or when deportations were not focused on those with criminal records. The survey, based on 2,428 adults, noted that many Americans believe deportations targeting dangerous criminals enhance safety, but support dropped for broader efforts, especially among independents.

Reuters/Ipsos Poll (December 5-10, 2024): This poll indicated that 53% of respondents supported deporting most or all immigrants in the U.S. illegally, a figure consistent with 51% in 2017. However, only 30% supported harsh measures like detention camps, with 53% opposing them. Conducted with 4,183 people, the poll showed that Americans are less supportive of aggressive tactics and prefer selective deportation, particularly for those with criminal records.

Support for mass deportation is highest when questions are general and declines when specifics, like family separations or deporting long-term residents with jobs, are included. For example, polls consistently show near-unanimous support (up to 87%) for deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records, but opposition grows for deporting those with U.S.-born children (55% opposed) or those who arrived as children (68% opposed).

Partisan Divide: Republicans (84-93%) are far more likely to support mass deportation than Democrats (10-25%) or independents (46-67%). This reflects a polarized political landscape, with Republican support driven by rhetoric around border security and crime.