I am writing to share a direct and unprecedented testimony from a night of pain, dignity, and unity experienced by asylum seekers detained at Harmondsworth and Brook House Immigration Removal Centres on 14–15 January 2026.

We were sitting peacefully in the corner of the hall, on chairs, during a completely peaceful protest, to show the world that we are not criminals, despite being detained alongside people with criminal records.

This testimony details what happened that night, including the arrival of special forces, use of chemical spray, and the forcible removal of detainees with tickets to France. It is a firsthand account from the victims themselves, intended to raise awareness and inform human rights organizations and the public.

Please find the full reports below.

We hope that you will consider publishing this story to help bring attention to the realities faced by asylum seekers in UK detention centres.

Thank you for your attention.