Campaign promises to curb illegal immigration helped Donald Trump solidify his conservative base and secure victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. However, one year into his return to the White House, his immigration enforcement actions now risk undermining Republican prospects in the upcoming November midterm elections.
Recent reports from U.S. media reveal growing public outrage after federal agents shot and killed two American citizens in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Democrats have seized on the incidents to launch fierce attacks against Trump's immigration policies, leaving Republicans anxious and prompting the former president's advisors to discuss damage control strategies.
On Jan. 20 of this month, during a press conference marking his first year back in office, Trump spent a full 15 minutes showcasing photos of "illegal immigrants" arrested in Minnesota, praising Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as "patriots."
However, a CNN poll indicates that 56% of Americans believe ICE agents "used excessive force" in the shooting of U.S. citizen Gude, while 51% say the Trump administration's immigration enforcement actions have made American cities less safe. Only 31% believe cities have become safer.
Protests against Trump's immigration policies are intensifying in Minnesota and other parts of the country, raising Republican concerns that public sentiment could spiral out of control and negatively impact the midterms. Sources say Trump's advisors have begun internal discussions on the matter, with several acknowledging the need to contain the fallout.
Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales of Texas noted that people are braving freezing temperatures to protest for a reason. If Republicans want to win the midterm elections, this issue must be addressed, he said, adding that voters in Texas are also troubled by what happened in Minneapolis.
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