More than 40% of New Yorkers back mass deportations: Siena Poll

According to a poll by Siena University, 43 percent of voters support deporting illegal immigrants, while 35 percent are against such actions and 20 percent are “in the middle.” These results are about the same as a poll done by Siena back in May.

However, amid national discussion about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, 61 percent of respondents said they disagree with how ICE is operating. This included 81 percent of Democrats and 54 percent of independents. 61 percent of Republicans supported ICE’s tactics.

“When it comes to ICE, voters quickly divide into partisan camps, with independents coming closer to the views of Democrats,” explained Siena pollster Steven Greenberg. “Republicans view ICE favorably, support the way they are working and nearly three-quarters want additional ICE agents sent to New York City. Democrats and independents say exactly the opposite: unfavorable to ICE, don’t like the way they work, and don’t want more of them in the Big Apple.”

The poll also showed that New York Governor Kathy Hochul has her highest ever favorability at 49 percent, with a net favorability rating of plus 9 percentage points.

The poll comes as the Trump administration announced it will withdraw 700 immigration agents from Minnesota who were a part of "Operation Metro Surge” following cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agents. The Trump administration has been looking to scale back its immigration enforcement amid public scrutiny, as advisors were reportedly discussing “recalibrating” the White House’s approach.

Still, Border Czar Tom Homan reiterated on Wednesday that “If you are in the country illegally, you are not off the table.”

“Let me be clear: President Trump fully intends to achieve mass deportations during this administration, and immigration enforcement actions will continue every day throughout this country,” he said.