ANOTHER DEPORTATION flight to Jamaica could take place in the coming weeks, campaigners warn. 

At least two Jamaican nationals have been detained at Colnbrook Immigration Removal Centre near Heathrow Airport and immigration experts fear this is has all the hallmarks of another controversial charter flight to the Caribbean.

Two previous charter flights have sparked uproar with celebrities joining the demand to cancel the plane, including from author Bernardine Evaristo, model Naomi Campbell and historian David Olusoga. 

No official deportation orders have been issued to those detained, but campaigners believe the flight could take place before Christmas. 

Speaking to The Voice, Karen Doyle, national organiser at Movement for Justice, said: “One Jamaican national went to sign on yesterday and was detained and told his removal is imminent.

“He is being held at Colnbrook and there is another Jamaican national on his wing and with rising COVID-19 cases, they wouldn’t be detaining people if they didn’t have a chance of removing them in a few weeks.”

“We are pretty sure they are gearing up for another charter flight,” she added.

Ms Doyle is warning those with pending immigration decisions to make contact with their legal representatives. 

On Friday, Home Secretary Priti Patel announced new powers to force visa penalties on countries that do not cooperate with deportations, under new reforms in the Nationality and Borders Bill. 

Opposition to a new charter flight was already building on Twitter with the hashtag #Jamaica50.

Ms Doyle criticised the plans and described the changes as “unjust and racist.” 

National Chair of BARAC (Black Activists Rising Against Cuts), Zita Holbourne, also believes a charter flight is likely.

She said: “The fact they are detaining people from a particular country is the usually the first stages of a planned deportation flight.” 

Ms Holbourne is urging members of the black community to have a contingency plan in place and prepare if they have family members reporting to immigration services in the coming weeks. 

She said: “If anyone thinks they are at risk or a family member is signing in at the Home Office, they should start getting legal representation now, please don’t wait until you are detained. 

“We have seen with previous charter flights this year, people unable to get proper legal representation in time and are removed.

“If you have an immigration appointment coming up please let your family or friends know and seek legal advice early.”

Ms Holbourne warned other Caribbean nationals to be aware they could also be held and removed to Jamaica and later transferred to their country in the region. 

Bella Sankey, director of Detention Action, said: “Barely two months since Priti Patel signed off on a mass expulsion of Black British residents to Jamaica, it appears she is directing officials to start rounding up people for another flight. 

“People with insecure status may be vulnerable to being deported. 

“People at risk should ensure that they have good legal representation as early as possible so that they can defend their rights.”

The Voice has contacted the Home Office for comment.