Sen. Fetterman Again Criticizes Democrats On Immigration Enforcement: 'A Mistake Our Party Made'

Democratic Senator John Fetterman again criticized his party on issues ranging from immigration enforcement to the stance of some colleagues regarding Israel.

Speaking at a forum along with Republican colleague Dave McCormick, the lawmaker claimed that bipartisanship "is getting more and more punitive." He went on to condemn the recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, when a man threw incendiary devices on a group calling for the return of the hostages kapt by Hamas, claiming that some Democrats have "lost the argument" when it comes to Israel.

"For me, that moral clarity, it's really firmly on Israel," Fetterman said during a passage of the Forum. "I refuse to allow to try to turn Israel into a pariah state."

Fetterman went on to highlight common ground between him and Republicans, claiming that Democrats have made a "mistake" when it comes to immigration enforcement. "That's a mistake that our party made, and that's the border," said the senator, adding that he supports providing funds for building more parts of the border wall and new detention centers. "I absolutely support those kinds of investments to make our border secure as well," he said.

The senator also addressed reports about his behavior, especially after a series of reports that described him struggling with his mental health. The latest episode involves an opinion piece from the Philadelphia Inquirer's editorial board, which argued that he should "serve or step away."

The piece slammed Fetterman for missing more votes than almost any other senator over the last two years and for isolating himself from colleagues and the public. Multiple former staffers have raised red flags about his disengagement and mental fitness, citing erratic behavior, a string of senior staff resignations and minimal in-person interaction on Capitol Hill.

Fetterman dismissed the piece as "part of a smear" and "just not accurate." However, it is the latest in a series of reports on the matter, which has even encouraged some Republicans to consider the possibility of luring him to their party.

Some Democratic senators have downplayed any potential tensions, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer saying Fetterman is a "good legislator." Party whip Dick Durbin said he is in regular touch with him ahead of votes and that reported uncertainty about his decisions are not unusual.

Concern about Fetterman's mental health largely jumped to the forefront of the public conversation after two episodes. The latest one was a reported outburst during a meeting with union officials.

The Associated Press detailed that the episode took place when Fetterman met with representatives from a Pennsylvania teachers union. The senator began shouting and questioning why "everybody is mad at me" before slamming his hands on a desk and asking "why does everyone hate me, what did I ever do."

Another witness of the episode recalled that a staffer quickly ended the meeting, escorting officials into a hallway before breaking down crying. The woman was comforted by union officials who were also rattled by the incident.

Days earlier, in early May, New York Magazine published feature that included multiple testimonies from former staff and advisers outlining their own concerns about Fetterman. The piece included a letter from former chief of staff Adam Jentleson, who told a neuropsychiatrist who had treated Fetterman for depression that he appeared to be off his recovery plan, detailing "long, rambling, repetitive and self-centered monologues."