Our solidarity stopped Fatou’s initial deportation order.  But the Home Office, cruelly, issued a new deportation order. Our fight continues. We need solidarity more than ever. 

This is an important update about our Fatou’s situation. You can find all the information about the Free Fatou campaign here. 

Fatou is one of our friends, who has made Liverpool her home. She has lived in the UK for 18 years. She is a vital part of our community. We understand that she faces grave danger if returned to the Gambia, where she is originally from. 

She was kidnapped from us a few weeks ago, when she went to report at the Home Office building in Liverpool. Since then, she has been imprisoned in Derwentside Immigration Detention Centre in Durham, separated from her family and friends. In the meantime, the entire community has sprung into action, trying to secure Fatou’s release from detention and stop her detention. 

On 21 April, when the Home Office van came to pick up Fatou to take to her deportation flight, our friends, No To Hassockfield Campaign, blocked the van’s entry to the detention centre. From the moment that Fatou got to the Derwentside detention centre, people at the No To Hassockfield Campaign have been doing everything they can do to support Fatou. 

No To Hassockfield’s statement said; “During our presence today, we successfully blocked the removal van from entering the facility—preventing Fatou from being forcibly transported across the country for a removal flight. In that crucial time, her lawyer was able to take urgent legal action in an effort to halt her deportation. One message went out on a bank holiday, and we brought over 25 people to rural County Durham. That’s people power. That’s community in action.”

A few days later, on 23 April, nearly 60 people joined the online rally, led by These Walls Must Fall and Migrants Organise. We heard from people and communities with direct experience of the Hostile Environment and who are fighting to secure Fatou’s release and freedom. We also heard from Fatou’s brother, Lamin, and also representatives from 4Wings in Liverpool, Solidarity Knows No Borders Merseyside, Manchester No Borders, No To Hassockfield Campaign, VVIDY and supporters from the Gambian community. 

Most importantly, we were able to hear directly from Fatou, whose voice we could hear through These Walls Must Fall Organiser, Maggy’s phone. 

Fatou’s words struck deep. When she said detention reminded her of all the closed doors she never thought she’d survive, you could feel the heartbreak in the room. A representative from the Gambian community reminded us of the challenges women face in Gambia and across Africa. That is why so many women are forced to leave the places they once called home.

There was a strong sense of solidarity and care for Fatou. Those at the rally were also clear that Fatou is not the only person who is exposed to the violence of border control. We were united in our resolve to continue fighting for everyone’s freedom and dignity, and of course for Fatou. And that resolved lifted our spirit, despite the pain of seeing Fatou being detained and facing deportation. 

On the next day, on 24 April, Solidarity March for Fatou was organised by 4 Wings, Refugee Women Connect and Liverpool Asylum Refugee Association (LARA) in Liverpool, where she made her home. 

Fatou’s strength and compassion acts like a magnet – that’s why so many people who know Fatou and have been touched by her presence are determined to keep her safe. The march was attended by those who love Fatou and freedom. 

Manono, representing Liverpool Asylum Refugee Association (LARA) said:

“The march was not just a show of solidarity; it was a cry for justice. For too long, immigration policies have torn apart families and communities. Yesterday, we said: enough. Our friend, our neighbour, our sister – she belongs here, and we will not stand by in silence while she is ripped away from the life she has built.

The atmosphere was charged with both grief and determination. Handmade signs, heartfelt chants, and impassioned speeches echoed down the streets as we made our way to the doors of the Home Office. Many of the women marching have themselves faced the trauma of detention and deportation threats; our presence and our courage turned the protest into something deeply personal and profoundly moving.

This was not just about one individual. It was about challenging a system that dehumanises and discards people. It was about reminding the Home Office – and the country – that behind every case number is a human life, a community, a future that matters.

We will not be silenced. We will not stop fighting until she is released and all those unjustly detained are free and safe. Solidarity forever.”

A new deportation order – but the fight is not over. 

In the meantime, the Home Office issued Fatou a new deportation order. And Fatou remains in the Derwentside Immigration Detention Centre, far far away from her friends and family. Her health is deteriorating. Fatou’s detention has had a devastating impact on all who know her and beyond. 

At the same time, more people are waking up to this violence of the Hostile Environment. Fatou’s story has been featured in the national and local newspapers. 

Fatou’s plight and mistreatment by the UK government triggered a wave of outrage – over 18,000 people signed the petition, demanding Fatou’s freedom. 

We are urging everyone to sign the petition, to let Fatou know that we stand with her. 

If you have already signed the petition, thank you. Please keep on sharing the petition and asking everyone to sign it. And please stay tuned for more updates. 

Under the current Labour Government, there will be more detentions. There will be more deportations. We need to normalise solidarity. And we need to build our power.  We know that by continuing our struggle together, we will be stronger. 

Fatou is one of us. Stand with her. Stand with us. 

In solidarity, 

Right to Remain