France Moves to Extend Right to Detain Illegal Immigrants Deemed Dangerous

Members of the Regional Intervention and Security Teams open the cell of a high-security inmate before his transfer from Gradignan Prison to the newly operational high-security prison of Conde-sur-Sarthe, in Gradignan, southwestern France, on Nov. 20, 2025. Philippe Lopez/AFP via Getty ImagesThe French National Assembly approved in first reading a bill on Tuesday that would allow illegal immigrants deemed dangerous to be held in administrative detention for up to 210 days, or seven months, while awaiting removal.The bill, known as the Rodwell or “Philippine” bill, was adopted by the Assemblée Nationale on May 5 under an accelerated procedure and will now go to the Senate.