Routine Restraint in UK Immigration Detention ‘Deeply Concerning

A new report from the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) has revealed a disturbing pattern of excessive force and arbitrary handcuffing in UK immigration detention centres, raising serious questions about detainee welfare and dignity. 

Titled By Force of Habit: How the Use of Force in Immigration Detention Has Lost Sight of Necessity and Dignity, the review documents widespread misuse of restraints—particularly during hospital transfers and deportation procedures. In one stark example, a frail 70-year-old was handcuffed despite having no documented risk. Another detainee, under constant suicide watch, was stripped from the waist down, carried naked onto a plane, and subjected to head-pushing by guards—a case described as profoundly degrading. 

The IMB found that force was often used for convenience rather than necessity. Staff culture was criticized for being callous, exemplified by a scrawled note on a detention-centre whiteboard reading:

“Handle stressful situations like a dog. If you can’t eat it or hump it, piss on it or walk away.” 

Other findings include poor record-keeping of force incidents, inadequate oversight, and a lack of trauma-informed training—despite many detainees having experienced torture, trafficking, or other severe trauma. 

The report’s national chair, Elisabeth Davies, called on the Home Office to act swiftly, demanding a change in institutional culture, stronger accountability, and a commitment to use force only when strictly necessary. 

Key Takeaways

Widespread use of handcuffs and restraints in immigration centres is routine, even when detainees pose no risk.

For some individuals, force has been humiliating and degrading—particularly during hospital transfers or deportation flights.

The culture inside centres lacks accountability and dignity; authorities must adopt trauma-aware practices and tighten oversight.

Adapted From 

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/nov/26/excessive-restraint-in-immigration-detention-centres-deeply-concerning-report-finds