An inquest jury has determined that "multiple failings" and "missed opportunities" at an immigration detention centre contributed to the suicide of Frank Ospina, a Colombian man, in 2023. The coroner stated that Ospina had been let down by the state in "numerous ways," which was described as "utterly regretful."
Frank Ospina, 39, had come to the UK in late 2022 to visit his mother and explore prospective universities. He later decided to enroll in a master's course in Spain, set to begin in May 2023, and took a short-term dishwashing job. However, as a foreign national, he did not have the right to work in the UK, leading to his arrest during an immigration raid and subsequent detention at Heathrow.
During his time in detention, Ospina experienced a mental health crisis and was found dead on March 26, 2023, at the Harmondsworth facility, having strangled himself. The jury concluded that he had taken his own life.
The jury's findings highlighted a critical failure to submit a rule 35.2 report, which would have prompted a review of Ospina's case due to his suicidal intentions. This oversight meant that the Home Office did not consider his release from detention.
Ospina's interactions with his family were also scrutinized; he was separated from his mother by a glass wall during visits, which the jury deemed "inappropriate and unnecessary," contributing to his mental health deterioration.
On the night of his death, staff failed to conduct adequate observations, not realizing he was out of his bed. The Coroner expressed condolences to Ospina's family, emphasizing that the state had let him down.
Ospina had expressed a willingness to return to Colombia and was not trying to evade deportation. His brother-in-law reported that Ospina had pleaded for help regarding his mental state.
The Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre, the largest in Europe, houses individuals awaiting removal from the UK, many of whom have not committed any crimes. The case has raised concerns about the management of immigration centres, following previous revelations of detainee abuse.
A spokesperson for Mitie, the operator of Harmondsworth, acknowledged the failure regarding family visit protocols and stated that measures have been implemented to address the issues raised by the Coroner.
The Home Office expressed condolences and noted that several actions have been taken to enhance safeguards for detainees since Ospina's death, including increased staffing and improved training. The government is committed to reviewing processes related to the risk and vulnerability of detained individuals.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, support resources are available through various organizations.