Sen. John Fetterman addressed immigration enforcement, border security, and criticism from Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner during an exchange this week with Fox News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, drawing renewed attention to divisions within the Democratic Party over ICE operations and rhetoric surrounding federal agents.
During the interview, Heinrich pressed Fetterman on proposals circulating among Senate Democrats related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Senate Democrats have produced this short list of ICE reforms that you mentioned,” Heinrich said.
“It includes ending ICE patrols, prohibiting federal agents from wearing masks. Some House Democrats want to go much farther. They’re calling to stop ICE operations across the country, and even for this broad negotiation now, some Republicans are coming forward with their own demands.”
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Heinrich also cited support from Republicans for specific enforcement measures.
“You got Lindsey Graham saying he’s going to support ICE reforms. He wants folks to support legislation that would punish sanctuary cities for not complying with federal law,” she said.
She added that Tom Homan argued that increasing enforcement inside jails could reduce arrests on the street.
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Heinrich then asked, “Do you think you could support legislation that would punish sanctuary cities?”
Fetterman responded by recounting his long-stated criticism of the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the southern border and his support for stricter enforcement.
“Well, what I really want to get on that where it’s like when I was, I was the Democrat that led this charge about what a disaster the border was in the Biden administration,” Fetterman said.
He added that under President Trump, he found common ground on enforcement priorities, saying, “It’s like, you know, secure our border and deport every criminal migrant in our country, and we agree with that.”
Fetterman emphasized that deporting criminal migrants should remain the central focus.
“So that’s, to me, the only thing we should be focusing on,” he said.
“Now, that’s ICE for me, and I’m always going to support those kind of efforts to do those things.”
He also referenced public safety concerns and recent incidents, saying, “So for me, people are dying. And, you know, I don’t think America really wants people going after otherwise, you know, hard working migrants in these communities right now.”
Fetterman pointed to bipartisan cooperation as part of his approach, highlighting his support for the Laken Riley bill.
“I was proud to join my friend Katie Britt from Alabama, and I was the Democratic co sponsor for the lake and Riley bill,” he said.
“That was entirely appropriate too.”
Addressing controversy over ICE agents wearing masks, Fetterman said safety concerns were driving that practice.
“I also say now, some of those, the agents wearing masks, I think primarily that’s driven by people are going to dox those people?” he said.
“That’s, that’s, that’s a serious concern too. Absolutely, they could target their families.”
The discussion then shifted to Fetterman’s criticism of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who previously compared ICE agents to Nazis and later attacked Fetterman during a CNN appearance.
Heinrich introduced the clip by saying, “You criticize the Philly da Larry Krasner for comparing ICE agents to Nazis, and he came after you on CNN for it. Listen to this.”
In the clip, Krasner accused Fetterman of abandoning his campaign principles.
“John Fetterman is the favorite senator of Donald Trump, the favorite Democratic senator of Donald Trump,” Krasner said.
“He said that repeatedly, and that’s because John Fetterman has completely sold out the principles on which he ran for office.”
Krasner continued, “What he’s been doing for quite some time, for whatever reason, and we all know there may be a few reasons, is completely unacceptable for anyone who actually believes in democracy and who actually believes in the rule of law.”
Heinrich then asked Fetterman directly, “Do you want to respond to that?”
Fetterman dismissed the attack and reiterated his opposition to extreme rhetoric.
“He really ought to lighten up, Francis,” Fetterman said.
“And it’s like, don’t, don’t, don’t call people to compare people Nazis.”
He said Krasner’s remarks were politically motivated. “Like a lot of the tough talk coming out of his office, that’s just pandering to people,” Fetterman said.
At the same time, he stressed his continued focus on enforcement.
“Now, for me, you should we all agree, deport all the criminal migrants. I do support that. And I think we should have a support, you know, our border right now, secure that.”
Fetterman said that despite disagreements, he would not escalate the dispute.
“Don’t agree on some things and these things, but I’m not going to criticize or attack him in some kinds of ways,” he said.
He concluded by drawing a firm line on rhetoric. “But regardless, that’s a hard rule for anyone. Don’t compare anyone to Nazis.”
Heinrich closed the exchange by remarking, “That should be a kind of fundamental at this point.”
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