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The immigration numbers that could hurt Republicans in 2018

Protestors against the "zero tolerance" immigration policies. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

A Quinnipiac poll shows that 66% of voters oppose the Trump's administration separating immigrant children from their parents, and 79% support DACA recipients staying in the country and applying for citizenship.

Why it matters: Republicans running for Congress are already facing tough odds at keeping control of the House. The growing opposition to immigration policies under President Trump and his party could hurt them in November.

What they're saying: A Republican operative who's helping GOP candidates get elected to Congress told NBC News that "the images are devastating" and this issue will "absolutely" hurt their chances in the midterms.

  • Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll, said in a statement: "Neither quotes from the Bible nor get-tough talk can soften the images of crying children nor reverse the pain so many Americans feel."
  • A separate GOP strategist told NBC: "The media will broadcast these images of brutality and chaos and the public will associate them with the Republicans that run the House and the Senate — but most of all with President Trump."

Be smart: Many top Republican lawmakers have been speaking out against this immigration policy.

The bottom line: The midterm election was already a referendum on the GOP and Trump. Whether they disagree with the ongoing immigration decisions or they're not happy with the Republican tax plan, voters will take these issues to the polls.

2018 midterm elections