France Records More Than 2,000 Arrests After Violent Protests as Trump Blames Immigration

France faced widespread unrest after nationwide demonstrations against high living costs and conditions in schools escalated into violence on Saturday. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez attributed the worst of the disorder to radical far-left groups that organized acts of violence in multiple cities, joined by opportunistic criminals who looted shops and attacked public buildings. Authorities reported more than 2,000 people taken into custody, with more than 600 police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters injured. Footage and reports also showed pro-Palestinian graffiti and at least one Palestinian flag near scenes of arson, including the burning of Lyon’s tourist office.

In Limoges, rioters set fire to the city’s 143-year-old town hall, causing the roof to partially collapse. Looting and vandalism hit shops and government buildings in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and other cities. One person died of a cardiac arrest during events in Paris. Organizers and authorities differed on total participation, with estimates ranging from roughly 550,000 to 800,000 people taking part in the marches before violence intensified.

President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to address the nation on Sunday evening after meeting with officials. French officials attributed some of the violence to radical groups while noting that many demonstrators had raised legitimate concerns about public services.

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday: “France is burning! The immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has shattered that once great country. Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late!” Vice President JD Vance earlier shared video of the Limoges fire and wrote that Western liberals had imported the third world into France and other countries “in the name of diversity and compassion” while ignoring questions of assimilation and compatibility. Vance added that he hoped Americans were paying attention.