Hundreds of Migrants Evicted from Paris Theater After Months of Squatting

In a dramatic turn of events, over 400 migrants were removed from the Gaite Lyrique Theater in Paris, where they had been squatting for more than three months. The evacuation operation, carried out by French police, involved the use of tear gas at its inception but was largely uneventful after that, according to Reuters.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo explained the necessity of the police action, stating on France Inter radio, "At this stage, this was the thing to do because the situation was becoming complicated, tense, and dangerous inside." Well, when the mayor starts describing things as "dangerous," you know it's time for action.

The operation saw the arrest of more than 46 individuals, though it remains unclear if all those detained were migrants. Reports indicate that police encountered resistance from activists who had been supporting the squatters. Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nuñez justified the arrests, noting that some were detained for "rebelling" during the operation, while others faced "administrative checks." Nuñez also labeled the occupation of the theater as a threat to "public order." Clearly, the phrase "theater drama" takes on a whole new meaning here.

The migrants had occupied the venue since December, forcing the theater to suspend its operations. The Gaite Lyrique Theater, which is normally a hub for arts and culture, displayed a banner reading, "400 lives in danger, 80 jobs under threat," as tensions escalated. The theater management criticized authorities for their "inaction" in addressing the crisis, highlighting the deep divide between civic institutions and government officials on this issue.

This comes as France grapples with wider debates on immigration, including a controversial bill aimed at strengthening deportation measures. With the Olympic Games just around the corner, Paris seems to be tidying up its image—though the human cost of these actions is undeniable. One thing is certain: the intersection of art, activism, and politics in this saga is no less theatrical than the performances the venue was originally meant to host.