Work

Perceived threat drives support for coercive border enforcement against unauthorized crossings

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The securitization of the borders has intensified through harsh enforcement and deterrence strategies, yet little is known about what factors drive public approval of such measures. Using a large-scale survey experiment, we examine the extent to which the US public condones Border Patrol’s violent response to unauthorized border crossings. We find that the approval of violence is driven by perceived threats: respondents are more likely to support state violence when migrants attempt to cross borders in large groups, lack children in groups, or carry weapons. Contrary to expectations, race, criminal record, and migration motives do not affect preferences. Additionally, we find evidence of false polarization. Democrats strongly overestimate Republicans’ support for border violence, while Republicans slightly underestimate Democrats’ support. Our results suggest that public support for the use of violence to deter unauthorized border crossings is shaped less by group characteristics of migrants, but more by contextual factors that heighten perceived threat.

Source: Migration Studies

DOI: 10.1093/migration/mnag039

Authors: Burak Sonmez, Victoria Donnaloja, Sergio Lo Iacono

Institutions: University College London, University of Essex

Language: English

Topic: Migration, Refugees, and Integration

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,466