Paris Police Evacuate Gaîté Lyrique After Three-Month Migrant Occupation

The operation displaced 450 migrants, led to 46 arrests, and drew criticism over force used and inadequate housing options.

The Gaîté Lyrique, occupied by 450 migrants since December 2024, was forcibly evacuated by police early on March 18, 2025.
Authorities cited public order concerns as the reason for the evacuation, which involved the use of tear gas and resulted in nine injuries, including seven migrants, one police officer, and one journalist.
Temporary housing offers were made, but many migrants rejected them due to their location outside Paris, leaving many without stable accommodations.
Criticism arose over the operation's execution, with allegations of excessive police force and inadequate planning for relocation solutions.
The evacuation has intensified political and social tensions in France, with activists and left-wing politicians condemning the state's actions and far-right groups opposing migrant support.