In response to growing international migration, several states have adopted controversial measures, including detaining migrants, which have detrimental impacts on migrants’ physical, mental and social health. Although family is often at the heart of migratory decisions, few studies have used a family lens to examine this phenomenon. This paper reports on the findings of a qualitative systematic review that aims to describe the experience of migrant families dealing with detention. Articles were searched in relevant databases, and the quality of studies was assessed independently by two reviewers using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists. Twenty-two out of 897 articles met the inclusion criteria and were subsequently included. Three themes emerged from the thematic synthesis that capture the experience of migrant families affected by detention: (1) alterations of the family structure, (2) disruptions in instrumental and emotional functioning and (3) weakening of the family identity. Results robustly evidenced the detrimental effects of detention on families and the urge to stop this practice. Limitations included the difficulty of distinguishing between the experience of detention and deportation in some studies, as well as limited information about the long-term effect of detention on family health and integration in the host society.

Funding: This work was supported by Centre d’expertise sur le bien-être et l’état de santé physique des réfugiés et des demandeurs d’asile and Équipe de recherche Paternité, Famille et Société.