Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) didn’t hold back on Tuesday night, blasting his Democratic colleagues for their resistance to the Laken Riley Act and warning that their stance on illegal immigration is alienating voters. Speaking on Fox News, Fetterman bluntly told Democrats, “This is the reason why we lost,” referring to the party’s underwhelming performance in the 2024 election. His remarks came after the U.S. House passed the bill, which seeks to expand the federal government’s authority to deport illegal immigrants convicted of certain nonviolent crimes.
“If you’re here illegally and you’re committing crimes, I don’t know why anybody thinks that it’s controversial, that they all need to go,” Fetterman said, emphasizing that addressing criminal activity among illegal immigrants is a “common sense” issue that should unite both parties. The Pennsylvania senator’s comments carry personal weight, as he’s faced criticism for pivoting from the progressive platform he championed during his 2022 campaign.
The Laken Riley Act has already gained some bipartisan support in the Senate, with Democrats like Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) co-sponsoring the bill and Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) signaling his intent to back it. Senate Republicans, who hold a 53-seat majority, need just eight Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster. Fetterman, frustrated by what he sees as his party’s intransigence, questioned why anyone would defend the right of criminal offenders to remain in the country.
“We have hundreds and hundreds of thousands of migrants here illegally that have been convicted of crimes,” Fetterman said. “If we can’t pull up with seven votes, and get at least seven out of 47, then that’s one of the reasons why we lost.” His frustration is shared by some moderate Democrats who see immigration as a defining issue heading into 2026.
NEW: John Fetterman says if Democrats can’t get 7 votes in the Senate to pass the Laken Riley Act, then “that’s the reason why we lost."
“If you're here illegally and you're committing crimes, I don't know why anybody thinks that it's controversial, that they all need to go." pic.twitter.com/e0tDEK72uO
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) January 8, 2025
The Laken Riley Act would allow deportation for illegal immigrants convicted of nonviolent crimes such as theft and drug distribution. While existing laws permit deportation after two such offenses, sanctuary cities often shield offenders from federal immigration authorities, a practice Fetterman argued is increasingly out of touch with public sentiment.
Fetterman also criticized Democrats for losing focus, pointing to their overreactions to President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial remarks—most recently, his suggestion of using military force to annex Greenland. “Freaking out over everything doesn’t help,” Fetterman said, even calling the Greenland proposal a potentially “responsible conversation” akin to the Louisiana Purchase.
Fetterman’s message is clear: Democrats need to recalibrate or risk further alienation from voters on key issues like immigration.
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