France: migrant defense associations denounce the extension of the detention of foreigners

Several French associations for the defense of migrants denounced on Tuesday the extension of the period of detention of foreigners in an irregular situation in administrative detention centers (CRA), believing that this policy does not result in an increase in expulsions.

In a report published on the eve of the examination in the Senate of a text aimed at further extending the maximum period of detention, the organizations warn of a “trivialization” of the administrative confinement of foreigners.

According to data published by Forum Réfugiés, France terre d’Asile, La Cimade and Solidarité Mayotte, people detained in the 22 CRAs in mainland France have spent increasingly longer periods in detention over the past five years, even though the number evictions continue to decline.

The associations underline that in 2025, 16,467 people were locked up in these centers, compared to 16,628 in 2024, denouncing a migration policy which they consider to be more oriented towards tightening security than towards administrative efficiency.

The report also criticizes the human consequences of this prolonged detention, citing a worsening of the psychological and social precariousness of the people concerned.

This publication comes in a context of hardening of the migration debate in France, while the Senate must examine a bill providing for an extension of the maximum periods of administrative detention.