Recent surveys reveal widespread opposition among U.S. citizens to deploying military forces against protesters in Los Angeles, as tensions escalate over federal immigration enforcement operations. A YouGov poll shows 47% of Americans disapprove of Marine deployments, while 45% oppose National Guard involvement, reflecting a deepening skepticism toward militarized responses to civil unrest.
The resistance appears rooted in historical precedent. A 2020 CNN/SSRS poll found 60% of respondents deemed presidential deployment of troops during protests "inappropriate." This sentiment persists: a March 2025 United States Democracy Center survey reported 70% opposition to military intervention, with bipartisan majorities rejecting the approach.
Public opinion remains nuanced. While 45% disapprove of protests targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, most Americans distinguish between criticizing demonstrations and endorsing heavy-handed suppression. "There's a clear line between dissent and disproportionate response," noted one policy analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Californians show particular resistance to federal immigration strategies. An Emerson College poll found 60% of state voters view mass deportations as harmful, while 63% support localized immigration policymaking according to January data from the Public Policy Institute of California.
As Los Angeles enters its third week of sustained demonstrations following June 7 immigration raids, the surveys underscore a critical divide: 56% of Americans prefer state and local authorities managing protest responses, versus 25% backing federal intervention. This preference for decentralized solutions challenges traditional narratives about public security expectations.
