Deep Unease Emerges in Key Voter Groups (Image Credits: Flickr)
Arizona – Voters who switched their support from Joe Biden in 2020 to Donald Trump in 2024 raised serious concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactics during recent focus groups.[1]
Deep Unease Emerges in Key Voter Groups
NPR observed two online focus groups last Tuesday with 14 participants from Arizona. These individuals represented a mix of party affiliations: four Democrats, three Republicans, and seven independents. Twelve out of the 14 stated that ICE had gone too far in its operations. Nine reported knowing someone who altered daily routines due to fears of encounters with federal agents.
The discussions highlighted incidents like those in Minneapolis, where federal agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens. Participants described the actions as aggressive and out of control. Several expressed worry that the country edged toward a police state. Rich Thau, the moderator from Engagious, noted that while the economy topped concerns, immigration grew more urgent.[1]
Personal Impacts Fuel Calls for Change
Residents shared firsthand accounts of how ICE presence disrupted lives in the border state. Esmerita S., a Democrat born and raised in the U.S. with Hispanic heritage, avoided a nearby Starbucks out of fear. She explained, “I don’t want to go to Starbucks just down the street from there because I’m like, ‘What if they’re there and I look like I’m Hispanic?’ That’s scary. People shouldn’t have to live like that.”[1]
Carolyn B., another Democrat, recounted agents knocking on doors in her 55-and-older community while searching for Asians to deport. Stephanie O., an independent originally from Nigeria, described community members wrongfully detained and said she now carries her passport everywhere. Nancy P., an independent, emphasized that proper agent attire and conduct would ease tensions. These stories underscored a desire for enforcement without intimidation.[1]
Reforms Gain Unanimous Backing
Participants supported Trump’s overall goal of reducing illegal immigration but criticized current methods. Thau summarized their view: “They want ICE to protect them, but they don’t want ICE to be doing it the way they’re doing it now, which is way too present in their lives.”[1]
The group endorsed several congressional reform proposals, primarily from Democrats:
- Independent investigations after incidents (unanimous support).
- Body cameras for agents (unanimous support).
- Prohibitions on face coverings (less popular).
No one advocated abolishing ICE. Scott G., an independent, affirmed, “You can’t have a country without borders, and someone needs to enforce that.”[1]
Polls Echo Voter Sentiments
A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll reinforced the focus group findings. Two-thirds of Americans believed ICE had gone too far, up 11 points since last summer. Sixty percent disapproved of ICE’s performance, and a similar share felt it made communities less safe. Among Latinos, 70 percent shared this view.[2][1]
Trump’s approval stood at 39 percent, with majorities disapproving on economy and foreign policy. Independents gave him just 30 percent approval. Republicans largely backed ICE, but swing voters signaled potential midterm risks. Economic anxiety also rose among the group, though blame varied.[2]
These insights from the NPR-partnered Swing Voter Project highlight a nuanced stance: firm on security, firm on accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Swing voters prioritize economy but increasingly focus on immigration enforcement.
- Strong support for reforms like body cameras and oversight.
- ICE remains essential, but tactics alienate even Trump supporters.
Swing voters in pivotal Arizona revealed a clear message for policymakers: secure the borders effectively without eroding trust in everyday communities. What reforms would you prioritize? Tell us in the comments.
