detainee
noun
de·tain·ee
di-ˌtā-ˈnē 
ˌdē-
: a person held in custody especially for political reasons
Examples of detainee in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When the detention center opened, family and friends were mostly in the dark about where detainees were being held.
—
Miami Herald, 16 Dec. 2025
The spokesperson added that ICE transfers detainees for reasons such as capacity, security or logistical needs.
—Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025
Robert drives a commercial van transporting ICE detainees between facilities or medical care.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025
Seven months later, Benedict found herself outside the same field office where ICE and Homeland Security officers escorted a bus carrying detainees through the parking lot, as immigrant rights groups protested.
—Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Dec. 2025
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Miami Herald, 16 Dec. 2025
The spokesperson added that ICE transfers detainees for reasons such as capacity, security or logistical needs.
—Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025
Robert drives a commercial van transporting ICE detainees between facilities or medical care.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025
Seven months later, Benedict found herself outside the same field office where ICE and Homeland Security officers escorted a bus carrying detainees through the parking lot, as immigrant rights groups protested.
—Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detainee
Cite this Entry
“Detainee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detainee. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
detainee
noun
de·tain·ee
di-ˌtā-ˈnē
: a person who is detained
especially
: a person held in custody prior to trial or hearing
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