French Prefect Says Deportations Impossible as Share of Algerians Surge in Crime Stats

The Rhône prefect had some harsh words for local Algerians committing crimes within her jurisdiction, but warned that she is “unable” to deport those living on French territory due to a lack of cooperation by the Algerian government.

There is a “feeling of impunity” among this population, Fabienne Buccio said, according to Le Figaro, citing an interview with the daily Le Progrès.

The prefect continued, adding that the department has experienced a massive rise in crimes, with 60 percent of those arrested being foreign-born. “And of these 60 percent, at least, if not more, than half are Algerians,” he told the paper.

“If they are convicted in court and end up in prison, that’s one thing. When I can place them in a CRA (administrative detention center), upon release from prison, I place them to avoid putting them straight back on the street. Judges are increasingly keeping them there for 90 days,” the maximum, she said.

As for deportations, these are consistently blocked, Buccio said, stating that no progress has been made on this front for a year, and even when those in question have Algerian passports and have been sent back with an escort, the Algerian authorities “refuse” them entry to Algerian territory.

Tensions continue to escalate between France and its former colony of Algeria, which gained its independence after 130 years of French rule back in 1962. Issues have included the imprisonment of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal in Algeria, as well as the arrest and attempted expulsion of Algerian influencers from France for inciting violence against those opposed to the Algerian regime and, in general, hateful comments against France. Each country has also taken turns expelling each other’s diplomats.