U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed mass immigration for the unrest in France, criticizing French President Emmanuel Macron over his border policies.
“I told Emmanuel [Macron], you have to close your borders. […] You’re making a big mistake,” Trump said, according to The Guardian, claiming that the United States had tightened its own borders while France had not.
French authorities have announced curfews in some areas following violent protests, with restrictions in parts of central Paris expected to run from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The U.S. State Department has also warned American citizens to avoid protest areas in major French cities. According to France’s Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, 2,513 people have been detained since the weekend violence began, while 67 have been imprisoned.
Trump’s comments add to the growing international debate over immigration, border security and the French government’s response to the unrest.
