Former President Bill Clinton delivered a powerful recorded message to the U.S. Conference of Mayors on January 31, 2026, where he lauded progressive leaders like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and called on municipal leaders across the country to “stand up” in defense of freedoms and democracy amid what he described as aggressive federal immigration enforcement.

Clinton’s address, delivered via video, sharply criticized the Trump administration’s expanded use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal agents, particularly in light of recent high-profile incidents that have sparked national debate. In his remarks, Clinton referenced the controversial fatal shootings of protesters Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis earlier this month. The deaths have fueled widespread protests and amplified tensions between federal authorities and local leaders. 

Clinton urged mayors from cities large and small to use their platforms to defend civil liberties and protect their communities from what he characterized as an erosion of constitutional rights under current federal policies. He also praised Mamdani’s leadership on issues like housing affordability and sanctuary protections, positioning him as an example of local governance standing up to federal pressure. 

Zohran Mamdani, who became New York City’s mayor in January 2026 after a close election, has been a vocal critic of ICE’s actions and has championed expanded sanctuary protections in the city. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} Clinton framed the debates over immigration enforcement and federal-local tensions as broader tests of American values, urging mayors to “speak out” and ensure that local voices are heard in national policy discussions. 

The remarks come as mayors nationwide grapple with the fallout from federal immigration operations that critics argue have overstepped constitutional bounds, and supporters view as necessary enforcement of U.S. law. Clinton’s intervention adds a high-profile voice to the intensifying debate over the balance between federal authority and local autonomy, especially in cities that have adopted sanctuary policies or resisted deeper cooperation with federal immigration actions.