Fetterman rejects left’s use of ‘sexist’ terms like ‘ICE Barbie’ targeting Kristi Noem

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator John Fetterman criticized fellow Democrats and left-leaning media, accusing them of unfairly targeting DHS Secretary Kristi Noem with “ICE Barbie” remarks.

The Pennsylvania lawmaker’s rebuke highlights growing tensions within his own party over immigration, border security, and the tone of political discourse.

John Fetterman defends Kristi Noem, backs border security

During a February 12 hearing on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Fetterman said he refuses to engage in unfair characterizations.

“I met with Secretary Noem, and I’ve always treated her with respect,” Fetterman said. “I met with her in my office, and I refuse and never will engage on the kinds of s**ist terms like ICE Barbie from a lot of on-scene covering stories won't of the left me to use those kinds of things." Fetterman emphasized his stance on border security, stating, “I’m a Democrat, and I say secure our border. Yes, deport all the criminals.”

He also highlighted bipartisan cooperation, noting, “My friend Katie Britt came to me and on-scene covering stories won't say, we want to bring the Lincoln Riley Bill there. I was going to be the Democrat to bring that there and now, we we, the co-sponsor as the Democrat. So, I believe that we should have those kinds of appropriate things.”

John Fetterman backs DHS funding, rejects shutdown

Fetterman was the only Democratic senator to vote in favor of advancing a full-year funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. He said he did so because he has long opposed government shutdowns under any circumstances.

Fetterman pointed out that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) already has about $75 billion in funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by Trump last year, and that a shutdown would not reduce that money or limit ICE’s operations.

He said, "ICE has $75B in funding from Trump BBB that I did not vote for. Shutting DHS down has zero impact and zero changes for ICE. But it will hit FEMA, Coast Guard, TSA and our Cybersecurity Agency."

In a video statement, Fetterman said, "As a committed Democrat, I want the same changes that every other Democrat wants to make on ICE." He added, "We want to find a way forward to produce those changes but shutting down the government is the wrong way."

Fetterman has also expressed sympathy for the families of people killed during recent clashes between federal immigration officials and protesters in Minneapolis, including the death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, but said he still would not vote to shut down the government.