Hillary Clinton Calls for Humane Border Security Reform

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During a panel at the Munich Security Conference, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton acknowledged that the issue of migration has "gone too far" and become "disruptive and destabilizing". Clinton said the situation needs to be "fixed in a humane way with secure borders that don't torture and kill people". She supported some border security measures but opposed large-scale expansion of a border wall, and called for ending family detention and scaling back immigration raids.

Why it matters

Clinton's comments represent a shift from her previous stances on immigration, which were more aligned with the policies of the Obama administration. Her remarks suggest a recognition of the political and social challenges posed by high levels of migration, while still emphasizing the need for humane and compassionate solutions.

The details

During the panel discussion, Clinton said there is a "legitimate reason to have a debate about things like migration". She acknowledged that in some places, a physical border barrier may be appropriate, but opposed the large-scale expansion of a border wall that was a key part of former President Trump's immigration agenda. Clinton also called for ending the practice of family detention and scaling back immigration raids, which she said "produce unnecessary fear and disruption in communities".

• Clinton made these comments on February 13, 2026 while participating in a panel at the Munich Security Conference.
• In 2018, Clinton criticized the Trump administration's deportation policies, tweeting "It is now the official policy of the US government — a nation of immigrants — to separate children from their families. That is an absolute disgrace."
• At a Newmark Civic Life Series event in Manhattan last year, Clinton argued that immigrants, both legal and undocumented, have been vital to the American economy.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Clinton's comments suggest a potential shift in the Democratic party's approach to immigration policy, which could have significant implications for future policy debates and elections.