Hillary Clinton Advocates for Secure Borders and Humane Migration Policies at Munich Security Conference
MUNICH, Germany — In a notable departure from her previous positions, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for a more robust and humane approach to immigration during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026. Speaking on the panel titled “The West-West Divide: What Remains of Common Values,” Clinton acknowledged that migration has become “disruptive and destabilizing” and emphasized the need for secure borders that protect human dignity.
“There is a legitimate reason to have a debate about things like migration,” Clinton said, underscoring the complexity of the issue. She stressed that migration “went too far” and must be addressed in a way that is both effective and humane. “It needs to be fixed in a humane way with secure borders that don’t torture and kill people and how we’re going to have a strong family structure because it is at the base of civilization,” she added.
Clinton’s remarks mark a shift from her previous advocacy against large-scale border wall expansions during her 2016 presidential campaign. While she acknowledged that physical barriers can be appropriate in certain situations, she cautioned against extensive border wall projects. This nuanced stance reflects growing concerns about the challenges posed by migration flows and border security in recent years.
The call for secure borders aligns with ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to manage immigration more effectively. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has recently expanded its detention capacity to over 92,000 beds as part of a $38.3 billion budget increase aimed at enhancing deportation operations. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to grapple with balancing enforcement with humanitarian considerations amid political and logistical challenges.
Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection illustrates the ongoing pressures at the southern border, with fluctuating numbers of migrant encounters underscoring the complexity of the situation. Clinton’s emphasis on humane treatment echoes concerns raised by human rights organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which has long advocated for border policies that respect migrants’ rights and safety.
Experts note that Clinton’s comments may signal a broader recalibration within the Democratic Party on immigration policy, moving toward a more pragmatic approach that recognizes the need for secure borders while addressing humanitarian issues. The Munich Security Conference, a key forum for global security dialogue, provided a platform for Clinton to articulate this evolving perspective amid international debates on migration, security, and human rights.
As migration continues to challenge governments worldwide, Clinton’s remarks highlight the delicate balance between maintaining national security and upholding humanitarian values. Her call for secure but humane borders reflects a growing consensus that migration policy must be both effective and compassionate to address the realities of the 21st century.
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