Story perspectives

Operation Hillmore detained 94 children as adults, board says

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Interim monitoring board chair Jane Leech wrote to Home Office minister Anna Turley that Operation Hillmore detained at least 94 children as adults.
Leech said 304 age-disputed cases arose from 15 August 2025 to 1 May 2026, with 94 (31 %) judged minors.
Some detainees waited over six months, breaching the 24-hour limit for unaccompanied children and the 28-day exceptional limit.
Leech reported poor health screening, noting a tuberculosis case at Manston.

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Story summary

Interim monitoring board chair Jane Leech wrote to Home Office minister Anna Turley that Operation Hillmore detained at least 94 children as adults.
Leech said 304 age-disputed cases arose from 15 August 2025 to 1 May 2026, with 94 (31 %) judged minors.
Some detainees waited over six months, breaching the 24-hour limit for unaccompanied children and the 28-day exceptional limit.
Leech reported poor health screening, noting a tuberculosis case at Manston.