World Immigration News

100 People Detained in UK Immigration Removal Centres Say They Are Subjected to Extreme Physical and Emotional Abuse

Release Date: 2026-01-09
Media: Byline Times
Summary: More than 100 asylum seekers detained at the UK’s Harmondsworth and Brook House immigration removal centres allege severe physical, psychological, and emotional abuse by guards, according to a report written by detainees themselves. They claim intimidation, humiliation, physical violence, denial of healthcare and legal representation, and violations of basic human rights, stressing that they are refugees seeking safety, not criminals.

The report describes forced removals to France under the government’s “one in, one out” scheme, beatings of those who protested deportation, lack of information given to families, inadequate mental health care, and suicide attempts that were dismissed without proper support. Medical Justice and previous inquiries have similarly found serious mental health harm, systemic failures to protect vulnerable detainees, and a “toxic culture” including racism and misuse of force at Brook House.

Detainees also report poor medical treatment, isolation due to restricted communication, and fear of being held alongside people with serious criminal convictions. While campaigners and former detainees argue that governments have failed to implement safeguards and inquiry recommendations, the Home Office denies the allegations and maintains that its priority is border control and returning people to France to deter irregular migration.
Tags: United Kingdom

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