AI Narration Listen 00:000.5x0.75x1x1.25x1.5x2xThank you for your feedback.Your feedback has been reported succesfully.France protests have escalated into violent clashes, with at least 1,800 arrests as Donald Trump links the unrest to immigration and rising public discontent.3 min readNew DelhiOct 18, 2026 07:23 PM IST First published on: Oct 18, 2026 at 07:05 PM IST ShareWhatsapptwitterFacebookDonald Trump blames immigration for violent protests in France as police arrest at least 1,800 people. (AP Photo)US President Donald Trump has linked the violent nationwide demonstrations in France to “immigration,” and described it as the reason behind the country’s decline as protests and unrest in France drew hundreds of thousands of people who denounced poor conditions in schools and rising living costs.France protests: Police arrest 1,800 peopleFrench police have arrested at least 1,800 people across the country after violent groups clashed with officials and attempted to loot shops. According to authorities, masked groups set fires and attacked public buildings, including city halls, on Saturday, AP reported.The protests, which began as student unrest in France, come six months ahead of presidential elections in a major challenge to President Emmanuel Macron.Police detain a protester during a demonstration against rising living costs and students’ grievances, in Paris. (AP Photo)Trump blames immigration for unrest in FranceIn a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump wrote, “France is burning! The immigration of people from a completely different world – people carrying hatred in their hearts – has crushed the country that was once so great. Close the borders and take control of the situation, before it’s too late!”Meanwhile, a video showed Trump appearing to mock the French protests during a rally for the November midterm elections in the United States, saying that Paris seemed to be a natural destination for “revolutions.”Story continues below this adTrump mocks French protests at US rallyJoking about the ongoing demonstrations and unrest in France, Trump was heard saying, “Let’s go to France? It’s a lovely place. No riots, no revolutions. You know, France seems to be so damn good for revolutions. It’s unbelievable. Let’s go to France and join the revolution.”Trump: "Darling, the president just sent us $5,000. Let’s go to France… It’s a lovely place. No riots. No revolutions. You know, France seems to be so damn good for revolutions. It’s unbelievable." https://t.co/5GF4j4ixEb— TheBlaze (@theblaze) October 16, 2026Over 850 arrested in Paris aloneFrench police have said that more than 850 people have been arrested in Paris alone. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said more than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured in the uprising till now. Authorities have estimated that nearly 550,000 people have participated in demonstrations, while organisers believe that the number has crossed 800,000.Most ReadPolice scuffle with protesters during a demonstration against rising living costs, joining students’ grievances, in Paris. (AP Photo)French police said groups with more than 1,000 people formed unauthorised marches across central Paris on Saturday. “By late afternoon, a new phase began with the arrival of large numbers of people whose sole aim was to steal and loot, taking advantage of the unrest,” AP quoted police as saying.Minister Nuñez, in a post on X wrote, “The right to protest is a fundamental right. Deliberately and collectively sowing disorder through violence is not,” referring to the ransacking of thousands of businesses in many cities including Paris, Marseille.AdvertisementLoading Recommendations...AdvertisementLive BlogIndia News Live Updates, 18 October 2026: 3 youths killed as motorcycle plunges into drain in UP’s Bhadohi12 minutes agoWorld Live News Updates: Iran offers to reopen Strait of Hormuz in 6 days if US accepts terms27 minutes agoKolkata Durga Puja Stampede Live Updates: Out of 25 injured, 2 in ICU but ‘not under threat’, says Suvendu Adhikari59 minutes agoJailer 2 Box Office Collection Day 3 Updates: Rajinikanth’s film eyes Rs 400 crore mark; Nelson shares photo with Rajini1 hour agoIndia News Highlights, 17 October 2026: Bus to religious tour falls in drain, kills 8; MP CM announces compensation23 hours agoAdvertisement