Detainees moved to 'hardened' facilities

The immigration minister says a group of detainees have been transferred to "hardened" facilities overnight as they await deportation.

A group of detainees with criminal histories have been transferred to Christmas Island overnight. (AAP)

A group of detainees with criminal histories have been transferred to Christmas Island overnight.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton says 35 detainees have been moved to more "hardened" facilities, including 23 to Christmas Island.

He told reporters in Canberra on Thursday the group mainly comprised detainees with criminal histories awaiting deportation, but could also include asylum seekers who'd displayed behavioural issues in detention.