Ex-immigration centre detainee dismayed at reopening

A former detainee of an immigration detention facility that has reopened has described his "horrible" and "terrible" experience there.

Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre was shut in 2018 after years of problems, including riots, escapes and complaints about conditions, but the first of a new wave of detainees arrived on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Home Office has overseen its £70m refurbishment, and says it will "speed up enforced removals of foreign national offenders and illegal migrants".

Abi Morakinyo said: "You can get out of detention, but the detention can never get out of you. It stays like that and it's something you have to deal with, probably for the rest of your life."

The reopening of Campsfield, near Kidlington in Oxfordshire, has been opposed by MPs, residents and charities, as well as Oxford City Council.

It has about 160 bed spaces, which will eventually be expanded to 400.

Mr Morakinyo now has temporary leave to remain in the UK, and works driving plant vehicles and machinery for a construction company.

He said the reopening of Campsfield had brought back "awful" memories.

The Nigerian was at the site for two months in 2018 and went on hunger strike there, saying he struggled with depression during his stay, and lived among people who had been sent there from prison.

"There were so many arguments all the time, and it was a very terrible experience for me," he said.

"I don't even feel like remembering it because it's really hurtful. A very bad time.

"My worst memory is there was a guy from another country... trying to commit suicide and was drinking liquid. He had it all planned out... we had to call security and everything. I was so scared that things were getting out of hand."

He added: "With all my experience, no good things come out of that place. No matter how they refurbish it, or spend millions."

Asylum Welcome said it would be providing a Campsfield visiting service.

Joint CEO Dr Hari Reed said: "Part of it is making sure people feel seen, feel heard, feel like somebody cares about them.

"Some people can be in immigration detention for a long time so having someone to talk to is really important in those situations, and we'll also be doing more practical casework."

The Home Office said the revamped centre was "built to the latest standards, taking account of findings from external scrutiny reports and internal lessons learned" to "provide modern, safe, secure and connected accommodation for detained men".

The government said it would be comprised of "foreign national criminals, immigration offenders, illegal small boats arrivals and failed asylum seekers".

Protesters who gathered as the first detainees arrived described the move as a "terrible step backwards".

But the Home Office said it was a "clear signal of intent that this government will do whatever it takes to protect the British public and maintain the integrity of our immigration system".

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