Fetterman Critiques Democratic Stance Post-Chicago Shooting

Following a recent shooting in Chicago, Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman expressed his frustration regarding his party’s hesitation to openly discuss violence linked to undocumented immigrants with criminal histories. He also criticized calls from some state officials to focus on targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents instead.

Authorities have charged José Medina-Medina, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national, with killing a Loyola University student last week. It’s notable that Medina-Medina had previously been arrested for unrelated offenses months prior but was released.

“How many Democrats are actually addressing that incident? I don’t believe there are any,” Fetterman remarked.

The senator shared that he was disheartened after receiving a call from Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who has been supported by financier George Soros, just days after the shooting. Krasner suggested arresting ICE agents.

In a more lighthearted tone, Fetterman referenced a scene from the 1981 film “Stripes,” addressing Krasner: “Cheer up, Francis. You could stand to lighten up a bit.”

Fetterman’s comments were made in the context of a troubling trend where illegal aliens, who were previously incarcerated for unrelated crimes, have carried out violent acts. For political figures in Pennsylvania, calling out this pattern should be relatively straightforward.

“If you’re in this country illegally and you’re breaking the law, you really ought to leave,” he stated.

There have been recent calls from Republicans for more oversight on undocumented immigrants, especially in light of attacks like those involving Abdul Jallow from Sierra Leone and Medina-Medina. Both have been associated with acts of violence.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has condemned the leniency shown to these suspects before the violent incidents occurred.

A spokesperson for DHS remarked, “She was failed by open borders and sanctuary politicians who allowed this individual to be released twice before this tragic murder.”

Fetterman emphasized that the topic of repeat offenders is not new. He noted, “From what I’ve researched, the individual accused of murder has a history of shoplifting, which is why I championed the Laken Riley Act.” This legislation, passed in early 2025, aims to enhance how foreign nationals convicted of certain offenses are handled.

Recently, various incidents have drawn attention to the importance of immigration law enforcement. Fetterman remarked, “This should serve as a reminder of how critical ICE is for our safety.”