Federal Presence in Cities Influences Travel Choices, Survey Finds

Recent survey data indicate that although most travelers are not primarily influenced by visible federal enforcement activity in U.S. cities, a significant portion report feeling less comfortable and are more likely to avoid destinations where such activity is expected.

A January survey conducted by Future Partners examined how the visible presence of federal law enforcement, military, or immigration personnel in public spaces affects U.S. travelers’ perceptions of cities. While the issue does not dominate travel decisions for most travelers, the findings indicate that it is a meaningful factor for a notable segment of travelers. The survey highlights that travel choices are complex and influenced by multiple factors, including price, convenience, safety, and overall sentiment about a destination. However, the atmosphere travelers expect to encounter, shaped in part by visible federal activity, is becoming increasingly important.

Comfort Levels Decline with Increased Federal Visibility

When asked about their comfort with visiting cities where federal activity is visible, nearly half of respondents (47%) said they would feel less comfortable, with 28% indicating they would feel much less comfortable. In contrast, 24% said such visibility would make them feel more comfortable, and 29% reported feeling neutral. This distribution indicates that, although the issue is not universally polarizing, discomfort outweighs reassurance among those who respond. The data suggests that increased federal presence in public spaces is more likely to deter than to reassure potential visitors.

Potential Impact on Travel Behavior

The survey also examined whether discomfort leads to changes in travel plans. When asked whether they would avoid a U.S. city because of visible federal enforcement, 46% said they would be very or somewhat likely to do so. About 25% remained neutral, while 28% said they would be unlikely to avoid the destination. These findings indicate that while federal visibility is not a universal deterrent, it is a significant consideration for a substantial portion of travelers. For many, this factor joins other considerations rather than overriding them completely.

Limited Evidence of Past Behavioral Change

Based on past behavior, the survey found that fewer than 10% of respondents changed their travel plans in the previous year due to federal law enforcement or immigration activity in cities they had considered visiting. This gap between expressed concern and actual behavior suggests that, so far, the presence of federal personnel has not led to widespread cancellations or changes in travel destinations.

Uncertainty About Future Travel Decisions

When considering future travel, uncertainty appears to be growing. Nearly 23% of travelers said they plan to avoid some U.S. cities in the next year because of federal enforcement activity, while 17% remain unsure. This uncertainty can have indirect effects, including longer booking windows, increased comparison shopping, or a shift in interest toward destinations perceived as calmer or less complex.

Implications for Destination Management

The survey findings suggest that visible federal activity is an emerging issue influencing traveler perceptions, though it is not yet the dominant factor in travel decisions. For those managing destinations, the challenge lies in providing clear information and reassurance about safety and the visitor experience, rather than focusing on the political aspects of enforcement. Understanding which traveler groups are most sensitive to these concerns and how these concerns interact with trip purpose and demographics will be important for future planning.

Future Partners will hold The State of the American Traveler Webinar on February 11, 2026 at 8am PT/11am ET and dig deeper into the data. Register for the webinar here.