Police forcibly evict hundreds of migrants from theater in Paris

In Paris, France, police began the evacuation of hundreds of young migrants from the historic Gaîté Lyrique Theater on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. This operation followed months of occupation by the migrants, who had taken residence there beginning December 10, 2024, demanding shelter and food. During the evacuation, police reported arresting 46 individuals for various offenses, including rebellion and administrative checks, although it was unclear if all those arrested were migrants. The protests surrounding the operation highlighted concerns about the treatment of migrants and their legal status. The Gaîté Lyrique Theater had canceled performances during the occupation, vocally criticizing the government's inaction regarding the needs of the migrants. Many migrants, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa and some reportedly underage, expressed despair over the eviction, emphasizing their desire for integration. Danielle Simonnet, a leftist lawmaker who protested the eviction, condemned the police actions, describing them as violent. Protests included slogans expressing solidarity with the migrants, such as, "we are all the children of migrants." Paris Police Prefect Laurent Núñez stated that the occupation posed a threat to public order, justifying the eviction. Officials from Paris's emergency shelter services were available on-site to engage with the migrants as they exited the theater carrying their belongings. Many personal items remained behind, indicating the suddenness of the operation. The theatre's occupation drew attention to broader issues regarding migrant rights and their treatment in France as the country approached the Olympic Games. Critics of the police action and the government's policies raised alarms about the inadequate support for vulnerable populations, particularly as many of the evacuated individuals sought asylum or better living conditions within French borders. The situation highlighted the ongoing struggle between civil rights advocates and local authorities in addressing the needs of displaced individuals, especially young migrants who were in desperate circumstances.