detention camp

noun

1. a compound where prisoners are detained temporarily, as pending determination of their legal status under immigration laws.

Word History and Origins

Origin of detention camp¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Trump has not ruled out creating detention camps to hold people awaiting deportation but said the removals would be so fast that there would not be much need for them.

From Los Angeles Times

The GOP’s aforementioned platform of mass deportation of migrants will reportedly be accompanied by sweeping raids, giant detention camps and mass expulsions, tearing apart migrant families and entire communities.

From Salon

He has not ruled out creating detention camps to hold people awaiting deportation, though he has maintained that the removals would be so fast, camps would not be necessary.

From Los Angeles Times

After being held in a US detention camp for a few days, Fallou was eventually given leave to remain as an asylum seeker.

From BBC

Trump has vowed to carry out the largest deportation operation in American history, and has floated using detention camps to do so.

From Salon