A new Cygnal poll shows that a plurality of swing voters support the Trump administration’s deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a criminal illegal alien linked to the MS-13 gang, despite Democrats’ efforts to portray him as a sympathetic figure.
The survey asked respondents to choose between two descriptions of Abrego Garcia: a criminal gang member rightfully deported to El Salvador, or a Maryland husband and father who should be returned to the U.S. Overall, 45.6% of likely 2026 general election voters sided with the Trump administration’s decision, describing Abrego Garcia as a “criminal illegal immigrant and MS-13 gang member.” Another 38.8% took the opposing view.
Among swing voters, 43% agreed with the deportation, while only 31% opposed it and 26% remained undecided. The findings underscore growing support for President Donald Trump’s law-and-order immigration policies as the 2026 election cycle approaches.
Support for the deportation breaks sharply along party lines: 79% of Republicans agree with the Trump administration’s stance, while 67% of Democrats believe Abrego Garcia should be returned. Independents are split, with 35% backing deportation and 41% opposing it.
Abrego Garcia was deported earlier this year despite a 2019 immigration judge’s ruling shielding him from removal. ICE agents cited his suspected ties to MS-13, involvement in human trafficking, and credible accusations of physical abuse.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently criticized Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) for defending Abrego Garcia. “It’s got to be extremely discouraging to be one of your constituents, to see you fight for a terrorist like this and not fight for them,” she told Goldman in a hearing.
The poll reinforces that tough immigration enforcement remains a winning issue among key voter blocs.
