Disapproval Holds Firm Across the State (Image Credits: Unsplash)
California – Registered voters in the Golden State continue to express strong reservations about President Trump’s immigration policies, according to a new survey. Conducted by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies for the Los Angeles Times, the poll captured opinions from over 5,000 participants between March 9 and 15.[1][2] Nearly two-thirds disapproved of the measures, while a majority saw them as discriminatory toward Latinos. These results highlight enduring public concerns amid federal crackdowns that have included high-profile raids and legal challenges.
Disapproval Holds Firm Across the State
The survey found 64 percent of California voters disapprove of Trump’s immigration policies, a slight dip from 69 percent in an August 2025 poll.[1] This stability suggests that initial backlash to enforcement actions, such as July 2025 raids in Los Angeles, has not faded significantly. Republican approval climbed to 86 percent, up from 79 percent previously, reflecting stronger alignment within the president’s base.
Key findings emerged on specific aspects of enforcement. Nearly half of respondents — 45 percent — worried that they, a family member, or close friend might face detention under current policies. Support for state and local intervention in cases of unlawful detentions or excessive force by federal agents reached 70 percent statewide.
Deep Partisan and Demographic Splits
Views diverged sharply along party lines. While 85 percent of Republicans reported little to no concern about personal detention risks, 63 percent of Democrats felt somewhat or very worried. On allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to wear masks, 68 percent of Republicans favored it, compared to 91 percent of Democrats who opposed.
Racial and ethnic breakdowns revealed heightened anxieties among minorities. Latino voters showed 62 percent concern over potential detentions, followed by 46 percent of Black voters and 43 percent of Asian or Pacific Islander voters.[2] Even among Republicans, 45 percent opposed immigration agents entering homes without judicial warrants, versus 38 percent in support.
| Group | Concern About Detention (% Somewhat/Very) | Policy Approval (%) |
|---|---|---|
| All Voters | 45 | 36 (implied) |
| Republicans | 15 | 86 |
| Democrats | 63 | Low |
| Latino Voters | 62 | N/A |
Perceptions of Bias and Rights Infringements
A majority of voters believed the policies discriminate against Latinos, tying into broader fears of racial profiling. This view gained traction following Supreme Court rulings permitting detentions based on perceived ethnicity or language. G. Cristina Mora, co-director of the UC Berkeley institute, noted that Latino voters particularly worry about racism driving immigration practices.[1]
Black Californians’ elevated concerns, at 46 percent, stem from community interconnections, including mixed-race families and neighborhoods with immigrant ties. Mora highlighted how fears of federal overreach could extend to citizens’ rights. Republican strategist Ford O’Connell attributed GOP shifts to a calmer enforcement tone under figures like Tom Homan.
- 70% back local oversight of federal agents.
- 45% of Republicans reject warrantless home entries.
- Majority see anti-Latino bias in policies.
- High anxiety among Latino (62%) and Black (46%) voters.
- Republican mask support at 68%, Democrat opposition at 91%.
Strategists Weigh In on Shifts and Stagnation
Democratic strategist Maria Cardona emphasized the resilience of disapproval, stating it had only eased five points despite reduced visibility of enforcement violence. She pointed to enduring optimism in Latino communities amid feelings of attack. O’Connell suggested the administration sought balance on agent identification, like badges, to address concerns.
Mora speculated that summer raids initially shocked voters, but normalization occurred as focus shifted elsewhere, such as after February 2026 incidents in Minneapolis. The poll’s online format in English and Spanish ensured broad representation among 5,109 registered voters. These insights reveal a state grappling with federal priorities at odds with local sentiments.
Key Takeaways:
- 64% statewide disapproval, stable from prior survey.
- 86% Republican approval marks partisan consolidation.
- 45% fear detention risks, highest among Latinos at 62%.
California’s latest poll underscores a polarized yet resolute public stance on immigration enforcement. As debates over rights, raids, and federal-state roles persist, these voter attitudes could shape future policy clashes and electoral dynamics. What do you think of these poll results? Tell us in the comments.
<p>The post California Poll Signals Ongoing Resistance to Trump’s Immigration Enforcement first appeared on Travelbinger.</p>