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In a troubling revelation, nearly 100 children have been mistakenly detained as adults under the controversial UK-France migration agreement, known as Operation Hillmore. A report from independent monitoring boards has highlighted serious failings in safeguarding procedures, with 31% of age-disputed cases identified as minors. These figures raise pressing questions about the government’s handling of vulnerable individuals within the immigration system.
Disturbing Statistics Emerge
The figures, disclosed in a letter from Jane Leech, interim chair of the independent monitoring boards (IMBs), to Home Office Minister Anna Turley, indicate a significant oversight in the treatment of unaccompanied minors. Between August 2025 and May 2026, of 304 cases where individuals’ ages were disputed, 94 were ultimately found to be children. Under current government policy, unaccompanied minors should not be detained, and their detention should be limited to a maximum of 24 hours in exceptional circumstances.
Leech’s letter paints a grim picture of the treatment of detainees, noting that some individuals had been held for over six months, far exceeding the intended maximum of 28 days for exceptional cases. She expressed concern that the detention of vulnerable populations, including minors and survivors of abuse, is being normalised under the current framework.
Criticism of the Detention Process
The letter raises multiple critical issues surrounding the detention process. Leech pointed out that individuals have faced removal to France despite serious health concerns, including tuberculosis and other medical needs. These cases highlight a potential violation of basic human rights and the ethical obligation to ensure the health and safety of detainees.
Leech also emphasised the inadequacy of age assessment procedures, noting that in some instances, it took over 40 days to determine an individual’s age after their arrival at the immigration removal centre. This delay not only undermines the integrity of the assessment process but also exacerbates the trauma endured by those already in vulnerable situations.
A Call for Action
Imran Hussain of the Refugee Council has firmly condemned these findings, describing them as indicative of a broader trend of mistreatment towards refugee children. He called for an overhaul of the age assessment process, advocating for evaluations led by trained social workers to ensure accurate determinations and better protection for minors.
In response to the mounting criticism, a Home Office spokesperson reiterated the importance of robust age assessments in maintaining border integrity and safeguarding migrants. They indicated plans to modernise the age assessment process, including the introduction of advanced technology to aid in these evaluations by next year.
Why it Matters
The implications of these findings extend beyond the immediate fallout; they reflect deep-seated issues within the UK’s immigration system that have long been overlooked. The wrongful detention of children as adults not only jeopardises their safety and well-being but also undermines the credibility of the UK’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. As public scrutiny intensifies, the government faces increasing pressure to reform its immigration policies and ensure that safeguarding measures for minors are not merely an afterthought but a priority.
