Former immigration center detainee disappointed by reopening

A one-time resident of a recently reopened immigration detention facility has spoken out about his horrible and terrible time there, saying the memories continue to haunt him.

The Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre, closed in 2018 following years of unrest, escapes, and widespread criticism of living conditions, has now begun receiving new detainees after a 70 million overhaul overseen by the Home Office. Officials say the upgraded site is intended to accelerate the removal of foreign offenders and people living in the UK without legal status.

Former detainee Abi Morakinyo said the centre left a lasting impact on him: You may leave detention, but detention never fully leaves you. It lingers, and its something you carry for life.

The reopening of the facility near Kidlington in Oxfordshire has sparked opposition from local residents, charities, MPs, and Oxford City Council. The site currently holds around 160 beds, with plans to expand capacity to 400.

Morakinyo, who now has temporary permission to remain in the UK and works operating construction machinery, said the return of Campsfield dredged up awful memories from his two-month stay in 2018. During that time, he battled depression, witnessed frequent conflicts, and lived alongside individuals transferred directly from prison. He went on hunger strike to protest his conditions.

He recalled witnessing a fellow detainee attempt to end his life: He had everything prepared we had to call security. I was terrified seeing how quickly things could spiral out of control.

Morakinyo said no refurbishment could erase the places painful history: Nothing good comes from that environment, no matter how much money they spend on it.

Asylum Welcome has announced that it will continue offering support visits to people held at Campsfield. Joint CEO Dr. Hari Reed said their aim is to ensure detainees feel acknowledged, listened to, and cared for, noting that some individuals remain in detention for extended periods.

Protesters gathered as the first new detainees arrived, calling the reopening a deeply regressive step. The Home Office, however, said the updated facility meets modern standards shaped by external reviews and internal assessments, and will provide secure accommodation for detained men.

Officials stated that those held at Campsfield will include foreign nationals with criminal convictions, people accused of immigration violations, individuals arriving on small boats, and those whose asylum claims have been rejected. The government said the reopening demonstrates its commitment to protecting the public and upholding the integrity of the immigration system.

Author: Sophia Brooks