France moves to extend migrant detention following high-profile student murder case

France is expected to give final approval on Tuesday to a controversial immigration and security bill that would allow authorities to hold certain foreign nationals in administrative detention for significantly longer periods before deportation.

The legislation, which cleared the Senate on Monday after lawmakers reached a compromise text, is expected to secure final passage in the National Assembly with support from the government, centrist parties, the conservative right and the far right.

The bill has been heavily influenced by the 2024 killing of 19-year-old French student Philippine Le Noir de Carlan, whose death sparked a national debate over France’s deportation and immigration enforcement policies.

Philippine’s body was discovered in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris in September 2024. A Moroccan national living in France illegally was later charged with murder and rape in connection with the case.

The suspect had previously been convicted of rape, served a prison sentence, and was subject to an order requiring him to leave French territory. He had also spent time in an administrative detention center while awaiting deportation but was released several weeks before the student’s death.

Supporters of the legislation argue that the case exposed weaknesses in France’s ability to detain and remove foreign nationals considered dangerous to public safety.

The proposal was introduced by centrist lawmaker Charles Rodwell and received backing from former prime ministers Michel Barnier and Gabriel Attal.

Under current French law, undocumented migrants can generally be held in administrative detention for a maximum of 90 days. The new legislation would extend that limit to 210 days in exceptional circumstances involving individuals who are subject to deportation orders and considered to pose a real, current and particularly serious threat to public order.

The measure would apply to foreign nationals who have received final convictions for serious offenses punishable by prison terms of at least five years. Authorities say this category could include individuals convicted of crimes such as rape, armed robbery, aggravated kidnapping and other violent offenses.

The bill also restores and broadens the possibility of holding foreign nationals convicted of terrorism-related crimes for up to 210 days while deportation procedures are carried out.

In addition, the legislation introduces the possibility of psychiatric assessments ordered by local authorities for individuals suspected of embracing extremist ideologies and presenting potential security risks.

Left-wing parties have strongly opposed the proposal throughout its parliamentary journey, arguing that extending detention periods is unlikely to significantly increase deportation rates. Critics note that most removals already occur within the first weeks of detention.

Human rights organizations have also voiced concerns about conditions inside France’s administrative detention centers and warn that longer detention periods could place additional strain on an already pressured system.

According to advocacy groups, more than 40,000 people were held in administrative detention centers across France in 2024. Opponents of the legislation have indicated they will seek a review by France’s Constitutional Council once the law is formally adopted.