Public Opinion on Trump's Immigration Enforcement Actions in Los Angeles
- Capitol Times
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
In early June 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched extensive raids across Los Angeles, resulting in thousands of arrests. Reports indicate that 2,368 individuals were detained on June 4, and 2,267 on June 3, a sharp increase from an average of 660 daily arrests earlier. These raids triggered widespread protests starting June 6, with demonstrators gathering outside federal buildings, including the Robert Young Federal Building on June 9.

As protests escalated, President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles on June 9, 2025, to restore order. The city imposed a curfew, and there were reports of National Guard troops temporarily detaining civilians during demonstrations. California Governor Gavin Newsom responded by filing an emergency lawsuit, arguing the federal deployment was unlawful.
Amid these events, a poll conducted by RMG on June 9, 2025. The poll assessed approval of the National Guard deployment, ICE raids, and the Trump Administration’s broader deportation efforts.
RMG Poll Results
The RMG poll provides the following insights into public opinion:
Question | Approve/Support (%) | Disapprove/Oppose (%) | Other (%) |
Approval of sending National Guard troops to Los Angeles | 52 | 42 | 6 (Not specified) |
Approval of ICE raids in Los Angeles | 55 | 37 | 8 (Not specified) |
Trump Administration’s deportation efforts: About right/too little | 55 | 36 (Too far) | 9 (Not specified) |
Support for Trump Administration’s deportation efforts | 58 | 37 | 5 (Not specified) |
National Guard Deployment: 52% of respondents approved of President Trump’s decision to send National Guard troops to Los Angeles, while 42% disapproved. The remaining 6% likely had no opinion or were undecided, though the poll did not specify.
ICE Raids: 55% approved of the ICE raids in Los Angeles, with 37% disapproving. The remaining 8% were not categorized in the provided data.
Deportation Efforts (Extent): 55% felt the Trump Administration’s deportation efforts were either about right or too little, while 36% believed they had gone too far. The remaining 9% were not detailed.
Deportation Efforts (Support): 58% supported the administration’s efforts to deport illegal immigrants, with 37% opposing. The remaining 5% were not specified.
These results suggest that a majority of registered voters in the RMG poll supported the administration’s actions in Los Angeles and its immigration policies more broadly.
While the RMG poll indicates majority approval, other surveys present a more varied picture. A YouGov poll conducted on June 10, 2025, with 4,309 US adults, found that 45% disapproved of deploying National Guard troops to Los Angeles, compared to 38% who approved, with 17% having no opinion (YouGov Poll). This contrasts with the RMG poll’s findings, likely due to differences in sample size (1,000 registered voters vs. 4,309 US adults), timing (June 9 vs. June 10), and population focus (registered voters vs. all adults). The YouGov poll’s larger sample and broader demographic may capture a wider range of perspectives, suggesting public opinion is more divided than the RMG poll indicates.
Additionally, a Newsweek article noted that public opinion on Trump’s ICE deportations varies, with some polls showing strong support for immigration enforcement, while others highlight significant opposition (Newsweek). These discrepancies underscore the influence of polling methodologies and the evolving nature of public sentiment as events unfold.
The ICE raids began around June 3-4, 2025, with significant enforcement actions across Los Angeles. By June 10, reports confirmed 330 additional arrests, bringing the total to thousands (Los Angeles Times). Protests erupted on June 6, initially peaceful but occasionally turning violent, prompting the deployment of military personnel. The National Guard and Marines, totaling nearly 5,000, were tasked with maintaining order, with reports of detentions during protests (San Diego Union-Tribune).
Governor Newsom’s lawsuit, filed on June 10, argues that the federalization of California National Guard troops violates state authority (Governor Newsom’s Statement). The curfew, implemented by June 10, temporarily calmed downtown Los Angeles, but protests continued nationwide, with over 200 arrests reported in L.A. alone.
The RMG poll’s findings suggest that a majority of registered voters support President Trump’s immigration enforcement actions, reflecting a segment of the population that prioritizes security and immigration control. However, the YouGov poll’s higher disapproval rate indicates significant concern among others, possibly due to fears of overreach, civil liberties violations, or community impacts. The deployment of military personnel in a civilian context and the scale of ICE raids are highly controversial, as evidenced by Governor Newsom’s legal challenge and ongoing protests.
Public opinion may shift as the situation develops. Reports of detentions and the visible military presence could sway sentiment, particularly if legal rulings or further protests alter the narrative. The RMG poll, conducted on the day of the deployment announcement, captures initial reactions, while the YouGov poll, a day later, may reflect responses to early outcomes.
The RMG poll from June 9, 2025, indicates that a majority of registered voters approve of President Trump’s decision to send National Guard troops to Los Angeles (52%), support the ICE raids (55%), and back the administration’s deportation efforts (58%). However, with 42% disapproving of the troop deployment and 37% opposing the raids, there is notable opposition. The YouGov poll’s findings of 45% disapproval among a broader sample further highlight a divided public. As protests, legal battles, and enforcement actions continue, public sentiment will likely remain dynamic, shaped by ongoing developments and broader debates over immigration policy.
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