How many detainees are there?

It appears that, currently, no comprehensive information is available about the total number of people who are held as immigration detainees.

Some information, however, is available.  According to the UKBA quarterly statistics, 2,800 people were held as immigration detention on 31 March 2010 at Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) or Short Term Holding Facilities (STHFs).  These people were held solely under Immigration Act powers (i.e. excludes those who were held under both immigration and criminal act powers).  67% of them (1,870) were asylum applicants (i.e. they had claimed asylum at some point).  However, it is not known how many people in the same circumstances were  held as immigration detainees in prisons.   

The same statistical report shows that during the period between January and March 2010, 6,695 persons entered into detention and were held at IRCs or STHFs.  This excludes those people entered into immigration detention at prisons. 

Unavailability of relevant statistical information about those held as immigration detainees in prisons  makes it impossible to know the total number of people who are directly affected by the UK ’s detention policy  on the population.

You can find all the recent Home Office statistics on asylum and detention here.