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A new poll by Goodwin Simon Strategic Research reveals that many Californians are questioning the effectiveness of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, particularly regarding due process for immigrants with criminal convictions. The poll, which surveyed over 1,200 voters, highlights a growing concern about the treatment of immigrants facing deportation and the use of tax dollars in immigration enforcement.
According to CalMatters, the poll found bipartisan support for ensuring due process for immigrants, even those with criminal records. Eighty-four percent of Democrats, 61% of independents, and 54% of Republicans agreed that immigrants deserve a chance to have their case heard by a judge before deportation. Sara Knight, a research director at Goodwin Simon Strategic Research, noted, "This survey shows that there’s clear concern about the current administration’s approach to immigration enforcement."
The poll also revealed that 61% of voters want California's prison system to stop directly handing immigrants over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation. Since Governor Gavin Newsom took office in 2019, over 9,500 people with criminal records have been transferred to ICE. The state's sanctuary law does not protect immigrants convicted of serious crimes, but many voters believe that details of each case matter.
A narrative presented to voters involved a man deported to Mexico after serving time for a fight in his early twenties. After learning about his rehabilitation efforts, more voters supported having an immigration judge review cases before deportation. Support for this increased from 84% to 90% among Democrats and from 61% to 74% among independents, though it slightly decreased among Republicans.
Despite the poll's findings, some officials, like Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security, argue that public support for Trump's immigration policies remains strong. McLaughlin cited a New York Times poll showing that nearly 80% of Americans support deporting illegal aliens with criminal records.
The poll's results suggest a shift in public opinion, with many Californians advocating for a more humane approach to immigration enforcement. As the debate continues, the focus remains on balancing public safety with fair treatment for immigrants.
