The BBC News reports that U.K. holding centers for immigration offenders are under scrutiny by government officials.  Chief Inspector of Prisons Anne Owens said conditions in these facilities need to be improved, citing that detainees spent unacceptably long periods of time locked in single rooms.  The facilities are used to hold people for a maximum of seven days following their detention by U.K. Immigration services to which they are transferred to long-term centers.  

A report issued by the Home Office acknowledged that despite the criticism, the detainees did have access to healthcare, welfare and race relations support which is not always available in other countries.  However the report acknowledged that the staff at three of the main centers needed more training in the care and protection of children.  

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According to The Sun Star of the Philippines , a Department of Justice (DOJ) panel has recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against immigration officials for allegedly aiding the escape of an international terrorist in 2005.  Despite the recommendation, a 23-page report by DOJ Undersecretary Ernesto Pineda has not found incriminating evidence against the Bureau of Immigration.  Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. said: “It’s possible that there is conspiracy, there could have been a confabulation.  That’s why we have to look deeper into this.”