Most Oppose Immigration Arrests in Schools, Hospitals

A recent survey by Pew Research Center shows the extent to which views on deportations in the U.S. vary among Americans. According to the poll, conducted between February 24 and March 2, 2025, around a third of U.S. adults say that all immigrants living without papers in the U.S. should be deported, while around half say some should be deported and 16 percent say none should be. Of the respondents who said that some should be deported, the vast majority said they were talking about people who have committed violent crimes, while less than 15 percent said the same in terms of those who have a job, are parents of children born in the U.S. or came to the U.S. as children.

Pew also asked respondents their thoughts on where law enforcement officers should and should not be allowed to arrest immigrants living in the country illegally. It found that a majority thought it should not be allowed to carry out the arrests at places of worship (65 percent), in schools (63 percent) or in hospitals (61 percent). However, majorities also said that arrests should be allowed in protests or rallies (66 percent), homes (63 percent) and workplaces (54 percent).

According to the polling company, about one in five U.S. adults (19 percent) say they worry a lot or somewhat that they, a family member or close friend could be deported.