Trump’s immigration gambit backfires, turning a political asset into a liability

Vox argues that Trump entered office with strong public backing on immigration, then pursued radical deportation policies that undermined support and legitimacy. Public opinion shifted as killings by ICE/CBP actions and aggressive tactics drew broad criticism, and while “Abolish ICE” gained some approval, Trump’s approach created political liability and altered the immigration policy debate from a winning hand to a risky, contentious battleground.