As plebeian tribune, Clodius enacted laws designed to strengthen his support among the urban plebs and neutralize Cicero’s backers. Hence, when a Clodian law criminalizing the execution of citizens without a trial was put to a vote, Cicero preemptively departed into exile in mid-March 58. Another Clodian law was then enacted, formalizing Cicero’s banishment and requiring him to remain 500 miles from Rome. Cicero found refuge with Cn. Plancius, a quaestor based in Thessalonica. In 57, however, the new magistrates, led by the consul Lentulus Spinther, pushed for Cicero’s recall. After the plebeian tribunes Milo and P. Sestius organized their own gangs to counter Clodius’, the latter lost control of the streets, and Cicero’s recall took shape. He arrived back in Italy in August and entered Rome on September 4, delivering speeches in the senate and before the people that expressed thanks and vowed a continuation of his previous policies.