French Far-Right Advocates Trump-Style Immigration Raids Amid Political Backlash

Prominent French far-right figures like Marion Maréchal and Eric Zemmour have recently advocated for immigration enforcement policies modeled after the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) methods under the Trump administration. They support mass expulsions and aggressive raids, reflecting a push for what they call "remigration" in France. However, their stance has drawn criticism for not condemning the violent and sometimes deadly outcomes linked to such measures.

Adding to the controversy, Arno Klarsfeld, a French State Councillor, sparked political outrage with his comments on CNEWS endorsing the need for large-scale round-ups of foreigners who overstay their obligations to leave French territory (OQTF). Referencing a recent crime in Nice involving a Tunisian subject to an OQTF, Klarsfeld stated, "Trump has a hard policy where he sends in tough forces that sometimes make mistakes."

His remarks led to calls for legal action from left-wing politicians, with Olivier Faure, the Socialist Party leader, calling for Klarsfeld to be reported to the public prosecutor for glorification of terrorism. Mathilde Panot, leader of the Insoumis deputies, condemned the calls for "rafles," questioning the state of the French Republic. Klarsfeld defended his use of the term, distinguishing current enforcement efforts from historical deportations during World War II.

These developments highlight an ongoing political conflict in France, where extreme right-wing proposals inspired by American immigration practices intensify debates over national security and human rights.