An inquest jury has discovered that “multiple failings” at a UK immigration detention centre contributed to the tragic death of Colombian national, Frank Ospina, who took his own life in 2023.
According to the jury’s findings, missed opportunities and inadequate care at the Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre worsened Ospina’s mental health crisis, ultimately leading to his death.
The coroner, Lydia Brown, expressed her deep regret, stating that Ospina was “let down by the state in numerous ways” during his time in detention.
Ospina, 39, had come to the UK in 2022 to visit his mother and explore postgraduate education opportunities. He was arrested during an immigration raid after taking a short-term job, despite lacking the legal right to work in the UK.
Detained at Harmondsworth, Ospina’s mental health deteriorated, and on 26 March, 2023, he was found dead, having strangled himself.
The jury’s investigation pointed out a critical failure by medical staff to file a “rule 35.2 report,” which is required when a detainee is at risk of self-harm or suicide.
Had the report been submitted, Ospina’s case might have been reviewed, potentially leading to his release.
His family said Ospina had expressed his willingness to leave the UK voluntarily and had pleaded for help, both to his family and detention staff.
His brother-in-law, Julian Llano, recounted how Ospina had begged for assistance, describing his mental state as “very bad.”
The jury also criticized the separation of Ospina from his mother during visits, which involved a glass wall. They described the arrangement as “inappropriate and unnecessary,” adding that it contributed to his declining mental health.
Staff at Harmondsworth were also found to have made inadequate checks on the night of Ospina’s death, failing to notice that he was not in his bed. He was later found out of sight, having taken his own life.
The Home Office has since expressed condolences to Ospina’s family and stated that measures have been implemented to improve conditions at detention facilities, including increased staffing and improved training.
The management company Mitie, which runs Harmondsworth, admitted that placing Ospina’s family in a closed room for visits was wrong and has apologized.
“The physical and mental wellbeing of those in our care is of the utmost importance to us.
“We accept that the decision to place Mr Ospina’s family in a closed room for their visit was wrong and not in accordance with our policies and procedures, and we have apologised for this.
“A number of measures have already been implemented and we will continue working with the Home Office and Practice Plus Group to address the matters raised by the Coroner,” a spokesperson for Mitie stated.
Ospina’s case has reignited concerns over the treatment of individuals in immigration detention centres. Despite efforts to improve conditions following previous scandals, many issues remain, and the centres are under increasing strain due to the government’s efforts to deport more failed asylum seekers.
A Home Office spokesperson stated, “We offer our sincere condolences to Mr Ospina’s loved ones, and since his death in 2023 a number of actions have been taken to improve the safeguards for individuals in detention, including an increase in staffing numbers, training and guidance for staff.
“The new government is focused on ensuring actions are taken to improve conditions in detention facilities, including reviewing the current process for communicating risk and vulnerability of detained individuals.
“We will carefully consider the coroner’s recommendations.”
