A new study has shed light on the views of Texans regarding the Trump administration's approach to immigration. According to a recent survey conducted by the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs, a significant portion of the state's residents support increasing deportations of undocumented immigrants convicted of a felony, with 87% in favor of this policy.
However, opinions on the issue are not uniform across different racial and ethnic groups. Only 42% of Latino Texans and 23% of Black Texans support the Trump administration's approach to immigration, highlighting a stark contrast between these groups and their white counterparts, who back the policy with 62%.
The survey also revealed that Texans have mixed views on whether current policies will reduce crime (48%) or increase it (25%). While there is significant disagreement among respondents regarding the best ways to address immigration, they all agree that it should be a top priority for federal officials.
Immigration Attorney Raed Gonzalez notes that the overwhelming exposure to ICE-related news and arrests is creating anxiety among U.S. citizens who are unsure about their ability to remain in the country. He warns that this anxiety is "something wrong," highlighting the need for clear guidance from local authorities.
Local law enforcement in Houston, led by Mayor Whitmire, has indicated that police will only get involved with ICE if there's an immigration warrant attached to a person they arrest. However, the implications of this policy remain unclear, particularly when it comes to ramped-up enforcement efforts that do not require local participation.
The data from the Deportation Data Project shows that in 2025, ICE arrests in the Houston area increased by 130% compared to the previous year. This surge includes a notable increase in the number of individuals arrested with no criminal history, raising concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of these policies.
As Texans continue to grapple with the complexities of immigration policy, it is essential to engage in open discussions that address the fears and anxieties surrounding this issue. By doing so, we can work towards finding solutions that prioritize justice, compassion, and clarity for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
However, opinions on the issue are not uniform across different racial and ethnic groups. Only 42% of Latino Texans and 23% of Black Texans support the Trump administration's approach to immigration, highlighting a stark contrast between these groups and their white counterparts, who back the policy with 62%.
The survey also revealed that Texans have mixed views on whether current policies will reduce crime (48%) or increase it (25%). While there is significant disagreement among respondents regarding the best ways to address immigration, they all agree that it should be a top priority for federal officials.
Immigration Attorney Raed Gonzalez notes that the overwhelming exposure to ICE-related news and arrests is creating anxiety among U.S. citizens who are unsure about their ability to remain in the country. He warns that this anxiety is "something wrong," highlighting the need for clear guidance from local authorities.
Local law enforcement in Houston, led by Mayor Whitmire, has indicated that police will only get involved with ICE if there's an immigration warrant attached to a person they arrest. However, the implications of this policy remain unclear, particularly when it comes to ramped-up enforcement efforts that do not require local participation.
The data from the Deportation Data Project shows that in 2025, ICE arrests in the Houston area increased by 130% compared to the previous year. This surge includes a notable increase in the number of individuals arrested with no criminal history, raising concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of these policies.
As Texans continue to grapple with the complexities of immigration policy, it is essential to engage in open discussions that address the fears and anxieties surrounding this issue. By doing so, we can work towards finding solutions that prioritize justice, compassion, and clarity for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.