A police officer stands near a fire during an unauthorized demonstration near Place de la Republique in Paris on Oct. 18, 2026. Gauthier Bedrignans/Hans Lucas via AFP via Getty Images
The U.S. Embassy in France issued a security alert on Oct. 19 urging citizens living in the country to avoid demonstration areas as anti-government protests turned violent.
The French government has imposed partial curfews in several cities, including Lille and parts of Paris, in response to ongoing protests that began on Oct. 17. The alert said more curfews were possible as scattered protests continued.
The alert advised U.S. citizens to exercise caution if they unexpectedly find themselves in the vicinity of large gatherings, and to verify flight schedules with their carriers.
Nearly 2,400 people have been arrested in protests across France that involved looting, fires, and clashes with security officers. France has mobilized 60,000 police and other security forces to maintain order.
The unrest came after weeks of demonstrations by high school students protesting teacher shortages and poor-quality school buildings in suburbs with large immigrant populations, including descendants of immigrants from former French colonies in Africa.
The protest, organized by left-wing groups, was against rising prices and government spending cuts, and calls went out online to revive the Yellow Vest movement, which emerged in 2018 to protest the high cost of living.
Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
This is a developing story that will be updated.
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