Donald Trump and CNN have been bitter enemies for years. That’s seemingly never gonna change.
Because President Trump was just blindsided by a report about him that CNN’s running with.
Trump’s Immigration Policies see Strong Public Support and Unprecedented Border Security
President Donald Trump’s second term has ushered in a transformative era for U.S. immigration policy, with robust border security measures and deportation efforts earning significant public approval. A CBS News poll conducted from June 4-6, among 2,428 U.S. adults reveals that 54% of Americans approve of Trump’s deportation program, with strong backing from the Republican base. Notably, Trump became the first Republican in 20 years to win the popular vote and the Hispanic male vote.
The poll highlights that a slight majority of respondents believe the administration’s deportation efforts prioritize dangerous criminals, such as those convicted of serious crimes like m*rder and assault. This perception significantly boosts approval, with supporters viewing the program as a critical step toward enhancing public safety. For instance, recent ICE operations in Los Angeles targeted 44 illegal immigrants convicted of heinous crimes, including second-degree m*rder and assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Department of Homeland Security. “It’s not just on the broad issue of immigration where Trump is doing well, it’s on the specifics,” said CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten, noting that 51% of Americans approve of ICE agents searching communities to locate illegal immigrants.
However, the poll also reveals nuances in public sentiment. Support for deportations drops dramatically if the public perceives that the program targets non-criminals. Additionally, 50% of respondents believe Trump is deporting more people than promised during his 2024 campaign, and most in this group disapprove, emphasizing the need for clear communication about the program’s scope. “Americans believe that Democrats just don’t have a clue” on immigration, Enten stated, citing an Ipsos poll showing Republicans leading Democrats by 19 points on trust in handling immigration.
The administration’s border security achievements are nothing short of remarkable. Since taking office on January 20, Trump has implemented executive actions that have effectively closed the southern border to unauthorized migrants. A presidential proclamation declared a national emergency, citing an “invasion” at the border, and Executive Order 14167 authorized military support for enforcement . The Department of Defense allocated $376 million by March 2025 for border security, deploying troops, National Guard units, and surveillance towers to support Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
These efforts have yielded significant results. The Department of Homeland Security reports a 95% reduction in illegal border encounters, a 99% decrease in “gotaways” (individuals evading capture), and a 99.99% drop in migrant crossings. “If Fox were to send me down there right now, I would have trouble finding a single migrant on camera,” said Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin, highlighting the near-elimination of illegal crossings. CBP data for January 2025 shows a 66% decrease in nationwide border encounters compared to January 2024, and a 34% reduction from December 2024.
Public support for these measures is evident, with more Americans believing the deportation program enhances safety rather than diminishes it. The CBS News poll indicates that those who feel immigrants take jobs from Americans are far more approving of the program, while others note that immigrants often fill jobs Americans avoid, linking to concerns that deportations may weaken the economy. Despite these economic worries, the administration’s focus on safety resonates strongly, as evidenced by the deployment of 2,000 National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles following riots sparked by ICE arrests.
The Los Angeles riots, which erupted in response to the arrest of 44 convicted illegal immigrants, saw rioters burning cars and vandalizing property with slogans like “K*LL ICE.” Trump’s swift response, deploying the National Guard, was met with approval by 54% of Americans directly connected to the events, according to Enten. However, this action drew criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, prompting Trump to hint at potential legal consequences for obstructing federal operations. “I would” arrest Newsom if I were Border Czar Tom Homan, Trump told reporters, calling him a “nice guy” who is “grossly incompetent.”
The administration’s policies have not been without controversy. Critics argue that the approach, including the suspension of asylum pathways like the CBP One app, has left vulnerable migrants stranded. The Brookings Institution notes that border flows have continued to fall, with nearly no humanitarian migrants allowed entry. Yet, supporters argue that these measures have restored order, with CBP now in full control of the border, as stated by DHS.
Trump’s immigration policies have also shifted public trust in Republicans, with polls showing a 6-point lead over Democrats on the issue, according to CNN and CBS News. “No matter what poll you look at, no matter which way you cut it, the American public is with the Republicans [and] the American public is with Donald Trump,” Enten emphasized. This trust was a key factor in Trump’s 2024 electoral success, where immigration ranked among the top voter issues.
The administration’s commitment to enforcement is unwavering, with Border Czar Tom Homan vowing to continue ICE raids and prosecute any officials obstructing federal operations. The Migration Policy Institute describes these actions as the most sweeping immigration policy changes in decades, reshaping enforcement, border security, and legal immigration. While some Americans express concerns about due process and economic impacts, the majority support for deporting dangerous criminals reflects the administration’s alignment with public priorities.
In its first 100 days, the second Trump administration has delivered on its campaign promises, achieving a level of border security that has garnered significant public approval. With illegal crossings nearly eliminated and public safety enhanced, Trump’s policies are resonating with a majority of Americans, particularly those who prioritize security and order at the nation’s borders.
