Immigration was a Republican strength. Now some fear it’s slipping away before the midterms

Republicans Grapple with Political Fallout from Immigration Enforcement Deaths

WASHINGTON — Republicans are facing mounting concerns that the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement tactics are becoming a political liability ahead of the midterm elections, following the deaths of two people during federal operations in Minneapolis.

The recent killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both 37, by federal agents have sparked a wave of criticism from within Republican ranks, though most have been careful not to directly challenge President Donald Trump. As Congress approaches a critical funding deadline for the Department of Homeland Security, the issue has created significant tension on Capitol Hill.

“This is about regaining the trust of the American people on this issue, and I really think we’re losing on an issue that we should be winning on,” said Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who is retiring at the end of his term, giving him more freedom to speak candidly than many of his colleagues.

The political fallout has been substantial. Jason Roe, a Republican strategist working on midterm campaigns, didn’t mince words about the damage being done: “The administration has lost control of the narrative. We can’t get out from underneath what’s happening in Minneapolis.”

Political analysts note that the party controlling the White House typically loses congressional seats during midterm elections, and Republicans have struggled in recent elections without Trump on the ballot, as evidenced by losses in New Jersey and Virginia last year.

“Democrats are really, really mad and they cannot wait to go vote,” Roe observed. “And I just am not seeing that in any polling I’ve seen on the Republican side.”

For Republicans uncomfortable with criticizing Trump directly, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has become the focal point of their frustration. Sen. Lisa Murkowski has called for Noem’s resignation, saying, “I think you have a secretary right now that needs to be accountable to the chaos and some of the tragedy that we have seen.”

Despite these calls, Trump has defended Noem, stating she is “doing a very good job” and would remain in her position. Democrats have pushed for her impeachment, though they lack the congressional majority needed to make this happen.

Immigration has been a cornerstone of Trump’s political platform, and polls from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted in January showed voters were even more receptive to his hardline stance in 2024 than in previous campaigns. Republicans have overwhelmingly supported his immigration policies.

However, Tillis argues that the current enforcement approach is undermining Trump’s success on the issue. “He won on a strong message about immigration,” Tillis said. “And now nobody’s talking about that. They’re not talking about securing the border. They’re talking about the incompetence of the leader of Homeland Security.”

The controversy has spilled into competitive races across the country. In Maine, Sen. Susan Collins, who faces a tough reelection battle, has asked the administration to pause immigration enforcement operations in her state and Minnesota.

Republicans in Congress are using the January 31 deadline for government funding as leverage to push for changes. While Trump has signed six of the twelve annual spending bills for the current budget year, the Homeland Security funding remains unresolved. A growing number of Senate Republicans have indicated willingness to separate the Homeland Security funding from the broader package for further debate, while moving forward with the remaining appropriations.

Not all Republicans have been as openly critical. First-term Sen. Ted Budd of North Carolina expressed support for Trump’s immigration goals on social media while expressing hope that the president’s decision to replace Border Patrol’s Gregory Bovino with border czar Tom Homan would lead to “orderly and systematic operations” targeting the most dangerous offenders.

There has been a noticeable shift in tone from the administration following Pretti’s death on Saturday. In a Tuesday interview with ABC News, Trump suggested that Homan’s presence might allow for “a little bit more relaxed” and “de-escalated” operations in Minneapolis.

However, when Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called for Homeland Security to end its operation “as quickly as possible,” Trump responded angrily on social media, claiming the mayor was “PLAYING WITH FIRE.”

As the deadline for government funding approaches, the political pressure continues to mount on both sides of the aisle, with immigration enforcement emerging as a potential liability for Republicans in what was previously considered one of their strongest policy areas.