Pew Research: How Americans See Immigration Officers and Civilian Actions

As immigration enforcement expands into public life, Americans are paying close attention — and forming clear opinions about what crosses the line. A new Pew Research Center survey finds broad public support for transparency, accountability, and constitutional limits when it comes to immigration officers’ actions, as well as strong approval for civilians documenting what they see. Across party lines, Americans are drawing boundaries around profiling, anonymity, and unchecked power.

Recording Immigration Arrests

• A large majority (74%) say it’s acceptable for ordinary people to record video of immigration officers during arrests.

• 59% say it’s acceptable to share information about where officers are making arrests.
  👉 These views are held by majorities across political lines, though Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents are significantly more likely to say recording is acceptable than Republicans and Republican-leaning independents.

Limits on Enforcement Practices

• 72% of Americans say it’s unacceptable for immigration officers to use someone’s appearance or language as a reason to check their status.

• 61% say it’s unacceptable for officers to wear face coverings that hide their identities while working.

Mixed Views on Other Actions

• Opinions are more divided about certain enforcement behaviors:

  • 54% say it’s unacceptable for officers to arrest U.S. citizens who are helping others avoid immigration enforcement, while 44% say it’s acceptable.

  • 54% also say it’s unacceptable for officers to increase their presence in neighborhoods with many immigrants; 44% find it acceptable.

Partisan Differences

• While majorities in both parties generally support recording immigration arrests, there are gaps:

  • 89% of Democrats/leaners say it’s acceptable to record, compared with 59% of Republicans/leaners.

  • Democrats are far more likely to say it’s acceptable to share arrest locations.

• Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say it’s acceptable for civilians to report people they believe to be in the country illegally.