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Almost a hundred children have been erroneously classified and detained as adults as part of the controversial UK-France migration agreement, according to troubling new findings. The data, revealed in a letter addressed to Home Office Minister Anna Turley, highlights significant flaws in safeguarding measures for vulnerable migrants, raising urgent questions about the treatment of minors in the asylum process.
Flawed Safeguarding Measures
The figures emerge from a report by Jane Leech, interim chair of the independent monitoring boards (IMBs), which oversee detention facilities. Between August 2025 and May 2026, of 304 age-disputed cases linked to the Home Office’s “one in, one out” policy, a striking 94 cases—approximately 31%—were ultimately determined to involve minors. This scheme, designed to facilitate the return of some migrants to France while allowing the UK to accept an equal number with legitimate claims, is supposed to exclude children from detention. Yet, this oversight has led to grave concerns about the welfare of these young individuals.
Leech’s correspondence critically outlines how many detainees have faced prolonged detentions, with some awaiting deportation for over six months—far exceeding the government’s own limit of 28 days, which is only applicable in exceptional circumstances.
Health Concerns and Family Separation
The report also highlights alarming health and welfare issues. Leech pointed out that some detainees were being prepared for removal to France despite having serious medical conditions, including tuberculosis, or requiring urgent hospital treatment. Furthermore, the separation of families during the asylum process can have devastating effects on mental health, particularly for children. Leech noted that many detainees displayed signs of psychological distress, often indicative of prior abuse or trauma.
The letter underscores that the current system is failing to adequately protect the most vulnerable. “Many of those who have recently arrived present as psychologically distressed,” Leech stated, urging immediate reforms to the age assessment process, which has been deemed ineffective and excessively lengthy.
High Stakes of the “One In, One Out” Policy
The so-called Operation Hillmore, which governs this migration policy, has come under increased scrutiny. Home Office data indicates that from August 2025 to June 2026, 1,087 individuals were returned to France under this scheme, while an overwhelming 27,920 arrived in the UK via small boats in the same timeframe. This discrepancy raises questions about the efficacy of the deal and the true impact on vulnerable individuals seeking asylum.
Imran Hussain, executive director of external affairs at the Refugee Council, expressed deep concern over the treatment of children within the system. He condemned the practice of misclassifying minors as adults, which not only places them in unsafe environments but also exposes them to greater risks of abuse.
Government Response
In response to these revelations, a Home Office spokesperson emphasised the importance of robust age assessments to ensure the integrity of border control and the safeguarding of migrants. They also indicated plans to enhance the assessment process through the introduction of advanced technology starting next year.
Why it Matters
The implications of these findings are profound. With nearly 100 children incorrectly detained as adults, the situation highlights systemic failures within the UK’s immigration framework, particularly regarding the safeguarding of vulnerable populations. This crisis calls for immediate reform not only to protect these minors but also to restore public confidence in the asylum system, ensuring that it operates with compassion and integrity.