Majority of Texans Back Military and Police Deployment to the U.S.-Mexico Border

A recent statewide poll released Wednesday reveals that almost 60% of Texans are in favor of deploying law enforcement officers and U.S. military troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to address illegal immigration.

The poll carried out by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs in collaboration with Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs revealed that a significant 58% of Texans support the deployment of the U.S. military to aid in border security efforts. A substantial 54% express support for state and local police involvement in immigration detention initiatives

The poll, conducted from September 19 to October 1 in both English and Spanish by YouGov, surveyed approximately 1,650 adults across the state. The results have a margin of error of ±2.41%.

The fight against illegal immigration continues to be a key focus of President Donald Trump’s agenda for a potential second term. The administration's bold strategy, which involves apprehending undocumented individuals in workplaces and schools, has sparked a mix of admiration and backlash. Trump has moved to send National Guard troops to cities governed by Democrats, including Portland, Oregon; Memphis, Tennessee; and Chicago, Illinois. On Monday, a federal appeals court granted the administration the green light to deploy Oregon National Guard units to Portland, following the removal of a lower court’s injunction.

In Texas, a state that has consistently supported Trump in his presidential campaigns, recent polling indicates significant support for military engagement at the southern border. “Living in a border state, Texans have a profound understanding of immigration, viewing it through the lenses of both politics and law enforcement,” stated Renée Cross, senior executive director of the Hobby School. “There is significant backing for measures aimed at curbing illegal immigration, although views vary regarding particular federal policies.”

The survey revealed significant divisions along partisan and demographic lines. A striking 90% of Republicans favor Trump’s immigration policies, while only 13% of Democrats and 39% of independents share that support. Among the various demographics surveyed, white Texans showed the strongest support at 62%, while Latino respondents reported 42% and Black respondents reported 23%.

In Texas, the approval rating for Trump's approach to immigration stands at 51%, while the disapproval rate is 49%.

According to political scientist Mark P. Jones from Rice University’s Baker Institute, there appears to be a decline in support, coinciding with a decrease in the number of illegal crossings. “As the perceived crisis diminishes, the urgency of enforcement appears to lose its significance for certain voters,” Jones stated.