This is why subject matter experts matter. Support for the vague idea of “deport people here illegally” is pretty high, but any specific method of actually doing it is much more unpopular. Media is essential in getting that distinction out to the laypeople, but they’ve largely failed.

And I’d argue that it’s not just immigration where this disconnect exists. Lots of policies have broad support until you start talking about specifics. People just want to “get things done” but the “how” is either boring or unsavory.