The Expulsion of a 32-Year-Old Moroccan Gardener
On April 23, 2026, a 32-year-old Moroccan man, known as Hatim B., was expelled from France back to Morocco. This expulsion has garnered significant attention, particularly because Hatim had been working as a gardener for the Le Pen family, a prominent political dynasty in France. According to reports, Hatim had been residing in France since 2017, but his undocumented status ultimately led to his detention and subsequent removal from the country.
His employment with the Le Pen family, notably the widow of Jean-Marie Le Pen, Jany, adds a layer of complexity to the case. Reports indicate that Jany Le Pen sought legal assistance in an attempt to halt his expulsion, but her efforts proved futile. Hatim was held in the administrative detention center in Nanterre, following a decision by Alexandre Brugère, the right-wing prefect of Hauts-de-Seine, who has been criticized for his stringent immigration policies.
The Political Context of the Expulsion
Brugère, who took office in late 2024, has made combating undocumented immigration a focal point of his agenda, closely mirroring the stances of his political allies, Gérald Darmanin and Bruno Retailleau. Under his leadership, the department has seen a dramatic reduction in regularizations of undocumented individuals, with a reported 62% decrease, alongside a staggering 1,250% rise in refusals and a 41% increase in expulsions. This alarming trend raises questions about the ethical implications of such aggressive immigration enforcement, particularly when it affects individuals like Hatim who have established lives and work in France.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by undocumented workers in the country, especially those who are employed by high-profile families. As the political climate continues to shift towards more stringent immigration controls, the plight of individuals like Hatim becomes increasingly precarious. The case highlights not only the personal impact of these policies but also the broader societal implications of treating undocumented workers as disposable.
As reported by humanite.fr.
