Mitie Launches Investigation into Racist, Antisemitic and Islamophobic Allegations at UK Immigration Removal Centres

Mitie, the Home Office’s primary contractor for immigration removal centres, has opened an internal investigation after a whistleblower submitted a dossier alleging multiple instances of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and hate speech among staff working in detention facilities and on deportation escorts.

The Guardian

Mitie, the Home Office’s immigration removal-centre contractor, faced earlier scrutiny for a 120-member WhatsApp group, “escorts meet and greet,” active from mid-2019 that circulated racist messages. Its chief executive apologised in February 2022. A 2021 tribunal dismissed a race-disability claim but warned about contractor conduct, and a 2020 broadcast at Manston asylum centre relayed a profane racial slur. The dossier, compiled by a BAME whistleblower, cites staff interactions with activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Robinson) and a liked post about mayor Sadiq Khan.

The Guardian

A staff member said immigrants should be expelled, another alleged that Muslim men were abusive toward their spouses, and a comment described people on a coach who smelled of curry. Social-media posts allegedly insulted women, an Orthodox Jewish man, and equated weed with the Qur’an.

The Guardian

Mitie’s spokesperson said the company has “no place for racism or discrimination of any type” and that allegations are taken seriously and investigated. The Home Office said the issue is Mitie’s responsibility and noted upgraded communications technology for traceability after the Manston incident. Mitie has not commented on the Manston broadcast probe; the Home Office defers to the contractor’s internal process. A 2021 tribunal dismissed a discrimination claim but highlighted concerns, leaving no definitive resolution.

The Guardian

The BAME whistleblower said they feel “appalled, distressed and no longer safe or respected” at work, warning the hostile environment poses “severe risk” to staff, detainees and government contracts.

The Guardian

The allegations raise concerns about staff safety, detainee treatment and public-contract integrity, potentially eroding confidence in the Home Office’s immigration enforcement. Mitie’s probe continues, with upgraded radio and digital monitoring to trace future transmissions. Findings will inform possible disciplinary action and may trigger further oversight by the Home Office or external regulators.

The Guardian

• “All Muslim men beat their wives.” — Unnamed staff member

The Guardian

• “I don’t like to sit next to people on a coach who smell like curry.” — Unnamed staff member

The Guardian

• “There is no place for racism or discrimination of any type in our business. We take any allegations of this nature seriously and investigate them thoroughly.” — Mitie spokesperson

The Guardian

• “One of the whistleblowers who is calling for a full and thorough investigation into the allegations said: “As a member of the Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) community, I am appalled, distressed and no longer feel safe or respected in my workplace.” — Whistleblower

The Guardian