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Maryland Voters Back Local Cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement, Poll Finds

A recent poll indicates that a significant majority of Maryland voters favor local authorities working alongside federal immigration enforcement to address noncitizens involved in criminal activities. The findings suggest a shift in public opinion amid rising tensions over immigration issues.

The poll, conducted by Gonzales Research & Media, reveals that 76% of Marylanders support requiring local law enforcement to assist federal agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcing immigration laws. With incoming President Donald Trump signaling his commitment to mass deportations, this strong support from residents suggests a push for tougher immigration measures in the state.

The survey was carried out from December 27 to January 4, involving 811 registered voters, with a margin of error of ±3.5%. It paints a broad picture of Maryland’s political landscape, touching on immigration policy, the approval ratings of President Joe Biden, and the political aspirations of Governor Wes Moore. Here’s a closer look at the results.

Broad Bipartisan Support for Immigration Cooperation

The poll highlights that support for cooperation between local and federal law enforcement transcends party lines. Among Maryland Republicans, a staggering 96% back the requirement for local police to collaborate with federal immigration enforcement. Even independent voters show strong backing, with 77% of them supporting the measure.

Maryland voters immigration enforcement poll

However, it’s among Maryland Democrats that the results take a more nuanced turn. While the state leans heavily Democratic, with a roughly 2-1 voter registration advantage, 65% of Democrats in the poll also expressed support for mandatory local cooperation with federal authorities on immigration.

This divergence across political affiliations demonstrates that, despite partisan divides, a solid majority of Maryland voters favor a tougher stance on immigration enforcement, especially when it comes to criminal activities.

Maryland’s Political Landscape: Trump vs. Biden

While Marylanders seem to agree on the need for stricter immigration enforcement, opinions about the sitting president and his predecessor present a more polarized picture.

The poll reveals that 55% of Maryland voters approve of President Joe Biden’s performance. This number is relatively steady, showing only a modest increase from a September poll, where Biden’s approval was at 53%. The results reflect a moderate level of satisfaction with Biden’s leadership among state voters.

Conversely, former President Donald Trump fares poorly in Maryland, with 58% of respondents expressing disapproval of his performance. This includes a hefty 51% who “strongly disapprove” of the man who is set to begin his second term later this month.

Interestingly, these figures demonstrate how Maryland’s political culture, known for its liberal tendencies, continues to hold a stark opposition to Trump. Despite his influence in the national discourse, his approval is low in the state, reinforcing the divide between blue-state politics and the more conservative national landscape.

Immigration and Its Role in Maryland’s Future

While the poll results demonstrate clear support for federal cooperation in immigration enforcement, it raises broader questions about how the state will handle immigration policy moving forward. Maryland has long been considered a sanctuary state, resisting federal efforts to enforce immigration laws on a local level. However, the growing concerns over criminal activity and public safety seem to be shifting attitudes, even in more liberal strongholds.

For Gov. Wes Moore, this evolving landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. The poll also touches on Maryland’s fiscal situation, where tax hikes to address budget deficits are a pressing concern. Given that the question of immigration enforcement cooperation transcends partisan divides, Moore’s response to the poll’s results could have significant political ramifications.

Maryland’s Political Shifts in Focus

Polls such as these indicate that Maryland is not immune to the shifting national discourse surrounding immigration. As federal and state policies continue to evolve, public opinion in Maryland could become a bellwether for other liberal-leaning states on the East Coast.

The findings suggest that Maryland’s electorate is keenly aware of national debates over immigration, but they also hint at broader concerns about law and order. With the state’s support for Trump’s policies on one hand and Biden’s leadership on the other, it’s clear that Marylanders are divided but resolute in their desire for effective immigration enforcement.

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