evidence: Undocumented immigrants will be sent to the state of Comoros, comprising three of the four islands in the archipelago that includes Mayotte, and where many of the undocumented originated. [...] The operation has revived debates around French colonialism, specifically Mayotte’s status as a French department, made official in 2011. The Comoran archipelago fell under French colonial rule in the mid-19th century and voted overwhelmingly for independence from France in 1974, but Mayotte – representing 8% of the total electorate – was against. France held a second referendum in 1976, with similar results. The UN general assembly has condemned France’s presence in Mayotte. Ties between the islands remain strong, most Comorans and Mahorans have family on both sides. Mayotte’s economy relies heavily on foreign labour, particularly in construction. "If Darmanin had a magic wand and could transfer all the populations back to their islands, the first effect would be to destroy the local economy," said anthropologist Damien Riccio in an interview with Mediapart.