MyMemeCards editorial team
In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “They are here” is a mythic card of the French Politics pack, number 72 of the collection, and the 32nd best-known meme of its 127 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “They are here” meme mean?
The clip expresses raw political sarcasm, turning a serious accusation into a theatrical and grotesque spectacle. It is used to parody aggression or alarmist tones in public speeches. Internet users also employ it ironically to signal the unexpected presence of a specific group in a mundane context, thereby shifting the initial threat into absurd humor.
Where does the “They are here” meme come from?
The origin dates back to the second round of the French presidential election on May 3, 2017, during the debate broadcast on TF1 and LCI before over sixteen million viewers. Marine Le Pen quotes a statement made by Emmanuel Macron a month earlier at La Villette: "They are here, they are our real enemies." To counter this, she twists the formula by adding "the invaders," while imitating the cult 1970s TV series "Les Envahisseurs." This theatrical gesture, later described by the protagonist as a "private joke," was immediately uploaded to YouTube. Although the exact author of the first viral edit remains unknown, the sequence quickly circulated on social media, with the press highlighting the contrast between the seriousness of the topic and the form of the intervention.
- May 3, 2017Broadcast of the televised debate opposing French presidential candidates on TF1 and LCI.
How to use the “They are here” meme
- Use the quote to mock a colleague arriving late with dramatic exaggeration.
- Post the video in comments to ridicule a forum moderator's excessive zeal.
- Use the phrase ironically to announce the surprise arrival of a film crew in a quiet neighborhood.
Also searched as
- The Invaders
- Look they are here
- Marine Le Pen private joke
- they are here meme
- they are here meaning
- they are here origin
- marine le pen they are here debate
- marine le pen the invaders
- macron le pen debate 2017 meme
- what is the they are here meme
The “They are here” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 072 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Collection | French Politics pack |
| Fame | 85/100 · #32 of 127 |
| Recycle value | 80 MemeCoins (240 in Shiny) |
How to get the “They are here” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; They are here comes out of the French Politics pack as a mythic card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 80 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art 0.8%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “They are here”
"Whatever it costs"Rare · 2020
The Benalla affairLegendary · 2018
"The Republic is me"Mythic · 2018
"Because it's our project!"Mythic · 2016
Bally Bagayoko: "Stop! Get back!"Mythic · 2026
"Don't you agree, Mr Lapierre?"Mythic · 2026
"A crazy amount of dough"Rare · 2018
"Let them come and get him"Rare · 2018More cards of the French Politics pack
Frequently asked questions
What is the origin of the meme they are here?
It comes from the French presidential debate on May 3, 2017, between Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron. The candidate uses a reference to the TV series The Invaders to challenge her opponent's accusation.
What does they are here mean in French politics?
In this context, the phrase serves to turn back the extremist accusation made by Macron against her. She presents her political opponents as intruders invading the country, while miming an old television series.
Who is the person in the they are here video?
It is Marine Le Pen, a candidate in the 2017 French presidential election. She appears opposite Emmanuel Macron during the only debate held before the runoff of the election.
Is it true that they are here marine le pen?
This statement is part of a rhetorical strategy and an internal joke used during the debate. It does not describe a factual reality but aims to ridicule the stance of her contradictor.
How do I get the They are here meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “They are here” is a mythic card of the French Politics pack. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the They are here card?
It is a Mythic card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Marine Le Pen et les "envahisseurs" : le moment le plus ... · L'essentiel du débat de 2017 entre Marine Le Pen et Emmanuel Macron | INA · Le Pen et "les envahisseurs" en passe de devenir ... · checked on October 8, 2026.
Read next
Want They are here in your collection?
Open your free pack: 5 meme cards, no account needed.