Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, a Democrat known for his unconventional political style and shifting ideological posture, reportedly surprised viewers this week when he offered a full-throated defense of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during an appearance on Fox News, advocating for the deportation of undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
“We should round up and deport all the criminals,” Fetterman told host Jesse Watters during a Monday evening segment, emphasizing that he supports “strong and aggressive law enforcement” in cases involving non-citizens who commit violent or serious crimes.
The remarks represent a notable departure from the mainstream Democratic line, particularly on a network where Republican messaging on immigration has long dominated.
Fetterman framed his position as consistent with Democratic values, stating that “supporting ICE when they’re doing their job to protect American communities” should not be a partisan issue.
The Pennsylvania senator, who first gained national attention during his 2022 campaign for his working-class image and blunt rhetoric, has increasingly positioned himself as a political outlier within his party.
In recent months, Fetterman has defended Israel’s military operations, criticized left-wing protests on college campuses, and adopted a tougher tone on border policy.
His comments quickly drew criticism from progressive activists and immigration rights groups, who accused him of aligning with far-right narratives.
“Senator Fetterman’s language mirrors the dehumanizing rhetoric that has fueled anti-immigrant policies for years,” said Marisa Franco, executive director of Mijente, a Latino organizing network. “There is a difference between supporting public safety and demonizing entire communities.”
Republicans, however, seized on the moment as evidence of internal division among Democrats on immigration.
“Even John Fetterman gets it,” said Senator Tom Cotton, Republican of Arkansas, in a social media post. “Illegal alien criminals should be deported. Why is that controversial?”
Fetterman, for his part, dismissed the backlash. “You can’t have a conversation about border security if you’re unwilling to remove people who are here illegally and have committed crimes,” he said in a follow-up interview. “That’s just common sense.”
While his statements may resonate with moderate and conservative-leaning voters in his home state, they highlight a broader identity crisis within the Democratic Party as it grapples with how to balance progressive immigration ideals with growing public concern over border enforcement and national security.
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