Americans are nearly evenly divided over President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy troops to Los Angeles, according to a new Washington Post-George Mason University poll released on Thursday. The survey indicates that 41% support the move, 44% oppose it, and 15% are unsure.
The text-message poll, conducted on June 10, surveyed 1,015 adults nationwide, including 217 Californians. California residents expressed stronger opposition, with 58% against the deployment and 32% in favor.
Party affiliation plays a significant role in shaping opinions. Nearly 86% of Republicans support the action, while only 10% of Democrats agree. Conversely, 76% of Democrats oppose the deployment. Among independent voters, 48% are against it, and 33% support it.
President Trump dispatched about 4,000 National Guard members and mobilized 700 Marines last week to bolster immigration raids in the nation’s second-largest city. He stated that the troops would protect federal property and assist agents.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit, arguing that the deployment undermines state authority and could incite unrest. A federal judge heard the emergency motion on Thursday but has not yet issued a ruling.
In response to protests, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass imposed a curfew over approximately 2.6 square kilometers of downtown since Tuesday. The Los Angeles Police Department reported dozens of arrests related to curfew violations and vandalism.
The protests began after aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in immigrant communities and have spread to other cities, including Chicago, New York, San Antonio, and Spokane. Curfews have been implemented in multiple locations to manage the unrest.
Despite some incidents of property damage and clashes with police, officials emphasized that the vast majority of residents remain peaceful. The Los Angeles County Attorney highlighted that 99.99% of residents near protest zones have not participated in unlawful activities.
Public opinion on the protests is also divided. The poll indicates that 39% of Americans support the anti-immigration enforcement demonstrations, 40% oppose them, and 21% are undecided. Views on President Trump’s broader immigration strategy have turned negative, with 52% disapproving and 37% approving.
