French Prefect Threatens Deportation for Parents of Juvenile Offenders

A new approach in Strasbourg targets foreign parents of young offenders, leveraging immigration laws to curb urban violence.

Jacques Witkowski, the Prefect of Bas-Rhin, has issued letters to parents of minors involved in New Year's urban violence in Strasbourg, urging them to take responsibility for their children.
Foreign parents were warned that their residency permits could be reexamined if their children are repeat offenders, with deportation being a possible outcome.
This approach is supported by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who views parental accountability as a preventive measure against recurring delinquency.
The initiative follows the implementation of France's 2024 immigration law, which allows stricter measures against foreign residents implicated in criminal activity.
A recent CSA poll shows that 74% of French citizens support the deportation of foreign parents whose children engage in criminal behavior, reflecting significant public backing for this policy.