Story perspectives

Migrants Report Mental Health Crisis Amid Isolation in Detention

1/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Migrants at Harmondsworth immigration removal centre under 'one in, one out' scheme report mental health issues from isolation.
A letter signed by around 80 asylum seekers describes punitive, humiliating treatment and detention alongside criminals.
They complain about delayed communication with families and inadequate mental health care.
The government defends the scheme as prioritizing border security and detainee welfare.
New powers let immigration officers seize mobile phones to aid anti-smuggling investigations.

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Story summary

Migrants at Harmondsworth immigration removal centre under 'one in, one out' scheme report mental health issues from isolation.
A letter signed by around 80 asylum seekers describes punitive, humiliating treatment and detention alongside criminals.
They complain about delayed communication with families and inadequate mental health care.
The government defends the scheme as prioritizing border security and detainee welfare.
New powers let immigration officers seize mobile phones to aid anti-smuggling investigations.