Trump hardens his immigration crackdown heading into 2026 despite electoral backlash

Trump immigration crackdown includes more funding in 2026

Raids expand into urban areas

Political backlash on the rise

U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to take more aggressive action against immigration in 2026, backed by billions of dollars in new funding and a significant expansion of federal operations.

The strategy includes more raids—including in workplaces—at a time of growing public opposition ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

Trump’s immigration policy and the 2026 plan

#Trump set to expand #immigration crackdown in 2026 with billions in new fundinghttps://t.co/uYyFQ62jKo

— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) December 21, 2025

Trump has already deployed immigration agents to major cities across the country, where they have patrolled neighborhoods and clashed with residents.

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Although there were several high-profile raids at businesses this year, authorities largely avoided large-scale actions at farms, factories, and other economically sensitive sectors that employ undocumented workers.

That restraint is expected to ease as the Trump immigration crackdown 2026 moves into a new phase.

More funding, more operational power

U.S. President Trump is preparing for a more aggressive immigration crackdown in 2026 with billions in new funding, including by raiding more workplaces — even as backlash builds ahead of next year’s midterm elections.https://t.co/T0293olCWs pic.twitter.com/PppQYOs1dT

— Yahoo News (@YahooNews) December 21, 2025

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol are set to receive $170 billion in additional funding through September 2029.

This figure represents a dramatic increase compared to their current combined annual budgets of roughly $19 billion.

The funds were approved in July as part of a massive spending package passed by a Republican-controlled Congress.

Government officials say the plan includes hiring thousands of additional agents.

It also calls for opening new migrant detention centers and increasing coordination with local jails to transfer detained immigrants into federal custody.

Another key component involves partnerships with private companies to help locate undocumented immigrants in various communities.

Political costs of Trump’s immigration policy begin to surface

The expansion of Trump’s deportation plans is moving forward despite mounting signs of political backlash.

Miami—one of the cities most affected by immigration enforcement due to its large immigrant population—recently elected its first Democratic mayor in nearly three decades.

The mayor-elect attributed the result, in part, to a direct reaction against Trump.

Other local elections and opinion polls reflect growing concern among voters who oppose aggressive immigration tactics.

“People are starting to see this not just as an immigration issue, but as a violation of rights, a violation of due process, and an extraconstitutional militarization of neighborhoods,” said Mike Madrid.

“There’s no question this is becoming a problem for the president and for Republicans,” he added.

Falling approval and growing social unrest

Trump’s approval rating on immigration has dropped from 50% in March to 41% by mid-December.

The decline followed the rollout of hardline measures in several major cities—an issue that had previously been one of his strongest areas of support.

Public unease has intensified due to the presence of masked federal agents in residential neighborhoods.

The use of aggressive tactics, including tear gas, has also fueled criticism.

Reports of U.S. citizens being detained during these operations have further amplified public outrage.

Despite the backlash, the White House is pressing ahead, betting on an unprecedented expansion of the federal immigration enforcement apparatus in the coming years under the Trump immigration crackdown 2026 strategy.