A new survey reveals Americans are divided on whether undocumented immigrants should be detained in military-guarded camps. Support for the proposal is strongest among Republicans, while Democrats overwhelmingly oppose the idea.
According to the Public Religion Research Institute, 47% of Americans favor detaining undocumented immigrants in military-guarded camps, including 79% of Republicans, 22% of Democrats and 47% of independents.
The survey shows growing support for mass deportations and stricter immigration enforcement, especially among Republican voters, as the 2024 presidential election approaches.
Immigration is now a top issue for more than 70% of Republicans, according to PRRI, marking a sharp increase from previous years. By contrast, immigration ranks lower in priority for independents and Democrats, reflecting a deepening partisan divide on the issue.
Critics, including many Democrats and human rights organizations, have condemned the idea of camps as extreme and inhumane. They argue that the policy would echo historical injustices and create ethical concerns about human rights violations.
The survey also found that 51% of Americans now support building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, up from 41% in 2016. Meanwhile, support for a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants has declined.
With the 2024 election on the horizon, immigration is likely to remain a contentious topic, with stark divisions on how to handle undocumented immigrants and the broader issue of immigration reform.