Catherine Hervieu Opposes New Immigration Detention Center in Longvic

Catherine Hervieu, the Ecologist deputy for Côte-d'Or, has publicly opposed the planned establishment of an administrative detention center (CRA) in Longvic, arguing that it reflects a troubling trend in France's immigration policy. Hervieu describes the facility, which will be one of the largest in the country with 140 places, as a part of a broader initiative to create ten new CRAs by 2027, adding the existing 26 across France.

Hervieu condemns the proposed center as an embodiment of policies influenced by far-right ideologies that prioritize detention over the humane treatment of individuals. "This initiative is inhumane and ineffective," she stated, pointing out that most detainees have not committed crimes but are instead held for administrative reasons, such as lacking residency documentation. She noted that nearly half of those detained last year were released by judicial decisions, highlighting flaws in the detention system.

The financial cost associated with the Longvic center has raised significant concerns. Hervieu estimates that the center will incur an operational cost of more than 30 million euros annually, translating to an investment that greatly exceeds public spending allocation for essential services, such as transport in Dijon Métropole.

The moral implications of the immigration detention policies have also drawn criticism. Hervieu referenced the European Court of Human Rights' warnings against France for inhumane treatment of detainees, including alarming cases involving children. She urged the government to adopt a more effective immigration strategy prioritizing integration and the regularization of asylum seekers. "We need a migration policy that is humane, fostering social and cultural integration with local communities rather than punitive detention," she commented.

As France continues to grapple with its immigration policies, Hervieu’s calls for a shift toward kinder and more effective alternatives have gained significant importance as the debate intensifies at both local and national levels. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are likely as stakeholders weigh the ethical and fiscal responsibilities surrounding the establishment of the CRA in Longvic.