OPINION: A quiet consensus is rising across the country

Looking beyond Kootenai County, something interesting is happening in America. 

Despite years of heated debate, a clear majority of Americans — Democrats, Republicans and independents — agree that mass deportation without due process is not the answer. A recent CNN/SSRS poll found that 59% of Americans oppose deporting undocumented immigrants who haven’t committed crimes. Even support among Republicans for such deportations has declined significantly since Trump’s first term. In fact, only 23% of Americans support building new detention facilities, and a strong majority — 58% — oppose their use altogether.

There is also broad concern about government overreach into personal data. When it was revealed that the Trump administration had granted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to the records of nearly 80 million Medicaid recipients, alarm was bipartisan. The data included names, addresses, birthdates, and Social Security numbers — despite the fact that undocumented immigrants don’t qualify for Medicaid benefits. In response, the Massachusetts House just advanced a bill to keep states from snooping on your private medical information, including information about your reproductive care. Idaho should do the same. Many Americans, regardless of party, agree that using health care data for immigration enforcement crosses a dangerous line. 

We cannot let privacy violations become commonplace. If the government can use immigration enforcement as a pretext to violate personal data and the public stays silent, what’s to stop them from doing the same to any American, for other reasons?

Economic policy is another area where unity is growing. Americans are increasingly skeptical that Trump’s tariffs and trade policies have improved their lives. According to an AP-NORC poll, 49% of Americans say his policies have left them worse off, while only 27% say they’ve benefited. From farmers to small business owners to working families, people want policies that truly strengthen the economy, not just boost headlines.

Americans are tired of being pitted against one another. They want leaders who listen, respect democratic norms, and focus on results. The growing consensus on immigration reform, data privacy, economic fairness, and government transparency shows that we’re not as divided as we’ve been led to believe. The real divide isn’t right vs. left — it’s top vs. bottom. Everyday people are united in wanting accountability and a government that works for them, not just the powerful few.

These shared values create a real opportunity. By focusing on where we agree — and by building coalitions rooted in respect and common goals — we can move forward, together. It’s time to turn down the volume on outrage and turn our attention to solutions that unite rather than divide.

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Sarah Martin is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.