A new poll indicates growing dissatisfaction among Latino voters with former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, even among those who supported him in 2024. The survey, conducted by Democratic-leaning Equis Research and Data for Progress, reveals a shift in sentiment that could present an opportunity for Democrats if they can effectively capitalize on it.
According to the poll, 66 percent of Latino voters believe Trump’s recent deportation policies are excessive and target immigrants who contribute positively to the country. Notably, 36 percent of Latino voters who backed Trump in 2024 share that concern. Meanwhile, 29 percent of respondents described the policies as “good and fair,” despite acknowledging that some non-criminal immigrants might be caught in the crossfire.
A particularly revealing data point focuses on “Biden defectors,” voters who supported Joe Biden in 2020 but switched to Trump last year. Among this group, 64 percent say Trump has gone too far in his deportation efforts.
The poll, conducted from April 16 to May 5, surveyed 2,500 Latino registered voters, 44 percent of whom said they voted for Trump in November. This aligns with broader exit polling data on Hispanic voter behavior.
Carlos Odio, cofounder of Equis, said the poll doesn’t suggest a total collapse of Trump’s Latino base but does show clear signs of discontent. “The economy is the lead actor, but immigration is playing an important supporting role,” he said. Just 38 percent of those surveyed approve of Trump’s performance, while 60 percent disapprove. That figure is worse than Trump’s approval rating among the general electorate.
Equis also reported a notable shift among young Latino men, a group that had been a source of strength for Trump just six months ago. Now, Trump’s net approval rating among Latino voters on the economy stands at minus 26, compared to his overall net approval rating of minus 22.
While immigration is not the only issue driving Latino disapproval of Trump, it remains a significant factor. Focus group data referenced by reporter Adrian Carrasquillo suggests economic concerns are central, but immigration policies—particularly perceived overreach—are also fueling dissatisfaction.
Still, dissatisfaction with Trump does not automatically translate into support for Democrats. Among Latinos who disapprove of Trump’s deportation strategy, 25 percent say they don’t trust either party on immigration, and 20 percent don’t align with either party in general.
The Democratic Party is still working to define its immigration message. However, recent actions by prominent Democrats indicate a shift toward a more visible and assertive stance. Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, including Reps. Adriano Espaillat, Joaquin Castro, and Sylvia Garcia, recently visited Mexico to meet the family of an 11-year-old U.S. citizen who was deported with her undocumented parents. In a separate case, a mother and her two U.S.-citizen children, including one with stage IV cancer, were deported to Honduras.
Rep. Castro criticized the administration’s immigration tactics, warning that actions like these erode civil liberties. “When you have people getting snatched off the street by masked men who don’t want to identify themselves, including U.S. citizens, that’s a threat to people everywhere,” he said.
Tensions escalated further when ICE agents arrested Newark Mayor Ras Baraka outside a New Jersey detention center, where he was accompanying three Democratic lawmakers conducting oversight. The New York Times reported that Baraka was arrested in a public area outside the facility, despite having the legal authority to be there. Video footage showed ICE agents physically confronting two New Jersey congresswomen, prompting concern from Rep. Rob Menendez, who said the agents unnecessarily escalated the situation.
While some Democrats see these confrontations as brave and necessary, others worry they could backfire. “Right now the Democratic party is in a very vulnerable place,” one House Democrat said, stressing the need for a broader message that appeals to more than just immigration-focused voters.
Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona recently proposed a five-part immigration framework that includes securing the border, reforming asylum rules, expanding legal immigration, addressing violence in origin countries, and offering a path to citizenship for Dreamers and spouses of U.S. citizens. Gallego emphasized that border security must come first to gain public trust. His approach drew praise from Rep. Tom Suozzi, who called the proposal both serious and balanced.
However, Trump allies, including Stephen Miller, dismissed Gallego’s plan, framing it as an effort to legalize undocumented immigrants.
Still, Odio said the poll suggests Latino voters are open to a balanced immigration policy—one that avoids the extremes of both parties. Gallego echoed that sentiment, saying, “What he’s doing is bad and what we’re doing is what the American public wants… Border security and immigration reform that brings safety to individuals.”
Meanwhile, criticism continues to mount over the lack of accountability for deportation actions. When Rep. Robert Garcia asked DHS Secretary Kristi Noem about the status of Andry José Hernández Romero, a makeup artist reportedly sent to a Salvadoran prison without a hearing, Noem deflected, saying it was a matter for the Salvadoran government.
For many Latino voters, these responses may reinforce the very concerns driving their frustration with the administration and could shape the political landscape in the months ahead.
