Immigration detention is not the answer, for anyone.
People are detained without a time limit, for months, sometimes even years.
It is harmful and expensive. It robs people of their dignity, spirit and lives.
This can’t go on.
We are working towards an immigration system that is based on humanity, compassion and fairness.

A 28-day time limit
on immigration detention for all

Automatic judicial oversight
of detention decisions after 72 hours

An end to the detention
of vulnerable people
Community-based alternatives to detention that respect rights can minimise the use of detention, reducing costs and helping people to live with dignity in the community while going through the immigration process.
Proposed new detention centre
We were very disappointed, when we were alerted by one of our members recently, about a proposed new detention centre in the North East. The Northern Echo reported that Government plans to scrap a residential development in favour of [...]
New members
Over the last few months we have been having a series of conversations with organisations which are interested in our work and wanted to explore membership of our Forum. And we are delighted that Action Foundation, Ben and [...]
The UK’s detention regime exported: STHFs on the French coast
Frances Timberlake UK advocacy officer, Refugee Rights Europe In recent months, the UK-France border has been flung back into the public view following a sudden increase in media images of people attempting the sea crossing to the [...]
Time Limit – Immigration Bill update
Yesterday in the House of Commons the time limit amendment was defeated by 64 votes (328 to 264). We knew that success looked unlikely, but the government majority was reduced, four Conservative MPs voted for the amendment, as [...]
Time Limit – Immigration Bill update
Last week, the House of Lords voted in favour of an amendment to introduce a time limit for immigration detention and to end indefinite detention for EU and Swiss nationals. The Bill returns to the House of Commons on [...]
Time Limit – Immigration Bill update
Katie Close Consultant Parliamentary Officer Detention Action Last night the House of Lords voted for the amendment to introduce a statutory 28 day time limit for immigration detention. Speeches were made by Baroness Hamwee, Baroness Bull and Baroness [...]

#Unlocked
Unlocking Detention is a twitter tour of the Detention Estate
Get in touch

The Detention Forum is hosted by the Refugee Council.
You can contact the Project Director at detentionforum[at]gmail.com, who works several days a week.
It is time for change. Everyone must be freed from immigration detention, or we will see more deaths from COVID19.
With @MigrantFreedom we called on US & UK governments to do this in summer- since there have been at least 4,000 more cases in detention
http://ow.ly/1IT350Dec4D
I contacted the HO earlier after hearing reports that 100+ people in Napier had Covid
Their response has been to BLAME the residents
They are 20+ to a dorm. You can’t expect that many people to sit in one room for 10 days. They should not have been put in this risky situation https://twitter.com/maybulman/status/1351226883531280394
Diary Alert! Tues 26 Jan 6-8pm
Join @BIDdetention
to hear about their research and action on bail applications for people held in detention during the pandemic.
http://bit.ly/38ZlGqB
“The home secretary herself this week urged people to ‘play your part’ in the fight against coronavirus. At this critical moment she must now do the right thing and release everybody held in immigration detention." Pierre Makhlouf, @BIDdetention https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/15/new-covid-outbreak-harmondsworth-uk-immigration-removal-centre