Is Trump's immigration bet working?

NPR

Published June 12, 2025 at 9:35 AM EDT

Protesters confront National Guard soldiers and police outside of a federal building as protests continue in Los Angeles following three days of clashes with police after a series of immigration raids on June 09, 2025, in Los Angeles.

The White House's message on what's happening in Los Angeles is simple: this is what President Trump was elected to do.

It is true that polls have found people trust the Republican Party more to handle immigration. A CBS poll taken last week found that 54% approve of Trump's deportation policies.

Trump is making a big bet on how far Americans want him to go. He mobilized National Guard and active-duty troops that the mayor and governor say they don't need.

The administration says its immigration efforts are focused on criminals. But California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted other people swept up in workplace raids.

"A U.S. citizen, nine months pregnant, was arrested; a 4-year-old girl, taken; families separated; friends, quite literally, disappearing."

Trump is doubling down in Los Angeles. We hear from a conservative immigration analyst who thinks it will work.

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