Tensions between the United States federal government and individual states are growing, according to a poll released by CGTN. The results of the poll indicate that some respondents perceive the current situation as an escalating conflict that affects the security and political stability of the country.
The survey responds to incidents in the state of Minnesota, where two US citizens died in one month after being shot by ICE officers. According to the poll, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's statement symbolizes the growing tension between federal and state authorities.
Fears of a cycle of violence and repressive measures
According to the poll, 92.2 percent of respondents believe that American society is entering a vicious cycle where violent incidents lead to tougher security measures, which in turn deepen societal divisions.
Another 88.2 percent of respondents said that violent crackdowns by federal law enforcement are a long-standing problem in American society. Respondents also pointed to links to racial discrimination, social disparities and the high availability of firearms.
Distrust in the functioning of the security forces
The survey also showed significant concerns about the functioning of security institutions. A total of 93.6 percent of respondents believe that the U.S. system exhibits systematic protection of security personnel even when force is abused. Another 93.4 percent of respondents consider incidents to be the result of broader problems involving societal instability, institutional failure, and political polarization.
At the same time, 89 percent of respondents expressed the belief that the United States is no longer a safe country.
Political dispute between Republicans and Democrats
Events in the state of Minnesota have quickly become part of the political fray, according to the poll. The Donald Trump administration has accused Democratic-led states of failing to cooperate with immigration authorities, while Democrats have criticised the federal crackdown and refused to approve a budget package that includes funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
According to the poll, 92.3 percent of respondents believe the incident reveals a deep political conflict between the two major U.S. parties, while 91.1 percent of respondents expect further deterioration in relations between the federal government and the states. Concerns about a recurrence of similar incidents were expressed by 79.6 percent of respondents.
The survey was published on CGTN's platforms in five language versions and 19,444 respondents from different parts of the world took part in it within 24 hours.
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