France parliament set to extend detention of dangerous migrants

The French Parliament is poised to approve a proposal by Renaissance deputy Charles Rodwell that would increase the maximum period of administrative detention for irregular migrants judged dangerous. The bill would raise the limit from the current 90 days to up to 210 days for serious offenders, and extend the ceiling for those convicted of terrorism to the same length, provided a removal order is in place and the individual poses a “real, current and particularly grave” threat to public order.

The draft also creates a prefect‑issued “psychiatric examination order” and a “terrorist safety detention” regime for convicted terrorists after prison. It is framed as a response to high‑profile attacks, including the 2024 murder of a young woman named Philippine and the killing of 11‑year‑old Lyhanna. The Senate passed the measure on a 233‑102 vote; a final vote by deputies is scheduled. The proposal is backed by the government, the right and the National Rally, while the left warns it weakens judicial oversight and could overload already saturated detention centres.

Human‑rights groups have criticised the plan, arguing it risks violating fundamental rights and may not improve actual expulsions, which historically affect a small share of cases.