As Democrats continue to push for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) is urging his party to abandon what he described as “extreme” and politically damaging positions on federal law enforcement.
In a post on X, Fetterman pointed out that even liberal local officials are distancing themselves from calls to dismantle ICE.
“Even Mayor Frey of Minneapolis doesn’t support abolishing ICE,” Fetterman wrote.
“The party must resist the destructive tendencies to push extreme positions.”
Even Mayor Frey of Minneapolis doesn’t support abolishing ICE.
The party must resist the destructive tendencies to push extreme positions.
Secure the border.
Deport all the criminals.
Stop targeting the hardworking migrants in our nation. pic.twitter.com/QbLyEGBtJ2
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) January 15, 2026
“Secure the border,” the senator added.
“Deport all the criminals.
“Stop targeting the hardworking migrants in our nation.”
The post included a screenshot of a headline from The New York Times that read:
“Abolish ICE? It’s a Slogan Some Democratic Critics of ICE Would Abolish.”
A Rare Democrat Acknowledges ICE’s Role
Fetterman has repeatedly broken with his party’s activist wing on the issue.
In a July 2025 post, he stated plainly that “ICE performs an important job for our country,” calling demands to abolish the agency “inappropriate and outrageous.”
Later that month, Fetterman shared a screenshot of a report by Fox News detailing ICE arrests of more than 200 illegal alien child sex offenders in the Houston area over a six-month period.
“I don’t support or agree with all of ICE’s tactics or actions,” Fetterman wrote.
“I do fully support moves like these.
“This makes our nation more secure and all our children safer.”
I don’t support or agree with all of ICE’s tactics or actions.
I do fully support moves like these.
This makes our nation more secure and all our children safer. pic.twitter.com/MmeE77oP2F
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) July 28, 2025
The comments stood in stark contrast to the prevailing rhetoric from many Democrats.
Several Democrats have routinely portrayed ICE as illegitimate or abusive.
The anti-ICE rhetoric comes even as the agency continues to carry out arrests of violent criminals and sex offenders.
Democrats Push to Dismantle ICE as Trump Enforces the Law
While Fetterman has warned his party against embracing radical slogans, other Democrats are pressing ahead.
Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) has introduced legislation that would eliminate ICE outright.
“Effective on the date that is 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is abolished,” the bill states.
The proposal underscores the growing divide within the Democratic Party as President Donald Trump’s administration continues to prioritize border security, interior enforcement, and the removal of criminal illegal aliens.
Trump’s policies have broad support among conservatives and working-class voters.
Fetterman’s remarks highlight an uncomfortable reality for Democrats.
Calls to abolish ICE remain deeply unpopular with the American public and stand in direct conflict with the enforcement measures the Trump administration argues are necessary to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law.
READ MORE – Actor Matt Damon Trashes ICE Over Renee Good Shooting, Blames ‘Lack of Training’
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