A recent Siena College Research Institute poll of registered New York voters has revealed that a clear majority of residents in the state support President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to deport illegal migrants. The findings come at a time when state officials, particularly Democrats in New York City and Albany, have continued to staunchly oppose federal deportation efforts.
The survey, which was conducted between December 2 and December 5, found that 54% of New Yorkers support the federal government’s efforts to deport migrants living illegally in the state. In contrast, only 35% of respondents said that the state should oppose these deportation efforts. The poll results are significant given that New York is traditionally known for its liberal stance on immigration, as well as its status as a sanctuary state and city.
The poll’s findings showed support for deportation efforts from various demographic groups, with notable backing across racial, religious, and political lines:
- Whites: 56% of white respondents expressed support for deportation, while 37% opposed it.
- Blacks: 51% of Black voters supported the federal deportation push, with 37% opposing it.
- Latinos: Among Latino respondents, 47% supported deportation, compared to 36% who opposed it.
Religious groups also showed similar support:
- Catholics: 61% of Catholic respondents favored deportation efforts.
- Protestants: 59% of Protestant voters backed the federal push.
- Jews: Half of Jewish respondents (50%) supported the deportation plan.
Despite New York’s progressive reputation, these results suggest that many voters, across a wide array of ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds, agree with President-elect Trump’s stance on immigration enforcement.
While a majority of New Yorkers seem to support federal deportation efforts, state Democrats have remained resolute in their opposition to Trump’s immigration policies. New York City officials, in particular, have taken steps to obstruct any federal deportation efforts, maintaining the city’s status as a sanctuary city.
Anne Williams-Isom, New York City’s Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, recently told Newsweek that the city is committed to protecting illegal migrants. She emphasized that the city’s legal strategy would focus on finding ways to prevent cooperation with federal immigration authorities, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Despite her support for sanctuary policies, Governor Hochul has recently signaled some willingness to moderate her position. Hochul stated that she now supports the deportation of migrants convicted of crimes, though she has remained firm on her support for broader sanctuary protections. This shift came amid growing pressure from New Yorkers, including some Democratic lawmakers, to adopt a more balanced approach to immigration enforcement.
While some Democratic leaders, like Governor Hochul, appear to be softening their stance on deportation, others in the state legislature are pushing back against any significant change to sanctuary policies. A new bill filed by state Democrats seeks to strengthen sanctuary laws in New York, making it even more difficult for state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal ICE officials.
