WASHINGTON − PresidentDonald Trump's immigration crackdown hassparked violent protestsin Los Angeles and in other cities. But voters nationwide are giving him some of his best marks on immigration policy. In a CBS News/YouGov poll conducted June 4-6, 54% of Americans said they approved of Trump's deporation policy, and 50% approved of how he's handling immigration. This is compared with 42% who approved of his economic policy and 39% who said the same of Trump's approach to tackling inflation. The poll was conducted before Trumpordered the National Guard into Los Angeleson June 8. More:'I would': Trump says he'd arrest California Gov. Gavin Newsom Under Trump, immigration authorities have orderedarrests and deportationsacross the country. In San Diego, agents raided an Italian restaurant on June 6, arresting multiple kitchen workers. Sometimes violent demonstrations ignited in Los Angeles that same dayover immigration raids. Local law enforcement, responding to the protests were joined by members of the California National Guard on June 8,ordered there by Trumpover the objection of Gov. Gavin Newsom. More:Illegal border crossings at record lows as Trump crackdown spreads Newsom has asked the president to withdraw troops, criticized him on social media for "fanning the flames," and said the state is suing the Trump administration. Trump has called the move necessary, writing on Truth Social, "These are not protesters, they are troublemakers and insurrectionists." A small majority of polled voters are backing his overall approach immigration. Fifty-four percenttold CBS News and YouGovthey approve of the administration's deportation efforts. A little over 40% said they think Trump's crackdown is making America safer. Most of that support came from his base: 93% of Republicans said they approved, compared to 18% of Democrats. Meanwhile, 49% of independents agreed. More:Finneas teargassed in LA protests: 'They're inciting this' Invoking wartime powers to stop what he calls an "invasion," Trump has said repeatedly his administration is targeting violent criminals who are in the country illegally. A majority of voters said they believe all or some illegal immigrants should be deported, in a Pew Research Centersurveyearlier this year. Of those who said "some," 97% agreed people who committed violent crimes should be forced to leave. More:Massachusetts high school student granted bail by immigration court However, the Trump administration's aggressive efforts have ensnared some immigrants accused of or charged with nonviolent offenses and some withno criminal record at all. And the hurried pace of the deportations hasignored due process, experts and advocates say. Despite receiving most of his support from voters on immigration policy,Trump's overall ratingsremain at a dip. Polls in early June show him between 45% and 50% approval. Contributing: Lauren Villagran This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Trump polls well on immigration, amid Los Angeles protests
