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High Court Rules Home Office Unlawfully Seized Migrants' Phones

2/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A High Court ruling found the Home Office unlawfully seized migrants' mobile phones, violating the European Convention on Human Rights, with compensation paid to more than 70 migrants.
The policy was active from April to November 2020, lacked lawful authority, and harmed vulnerable individuals.
Robert Jenrick (Reform MP) criticized the payouts as wasteful, as the Home Office says new legislation now permits phone seizures to combat smuggling.

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Story summary

A High Court ruling found the Home Office unlawfully seized migrants' mobile phones, violating the European Convention on Human Rights, with compensation paid to more than 70 migrants.
The policy was active from April to November 2020, lacked lawful authority, and harmed vulnerable individuals.
Robert Jenrick (Reform MP) criticized the payouts as wasteful, as the Home Office says new legislation now permits phone seizures to combat smuggling.