detainer

[dih-tey-ner]

noun

Law.

1. a writ for the further detention of a person already in custody.

2. the wrongful detaining or withholding of what belongs to another.

detainer

/ dɪˈteɪnə /

noun

1. the wrongful withholding of the property of another person

2. 1. the detention of a person in custody

   2. a writ authorizing the further detention of a person already in custody

Other Word Forms

• predetainer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of detainer¹

1610–20; < Anglo-French detener (noun use of infinitive), variant of Old French detenir; detain

Word History and Origins

Origin of detainer¹

C17: from Anglo-French detener (n), from detener to _detain

Example Sentences

“Since Longoria is an illegal alien, ICE has a detainer on him,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Federal officials in the suit have so far referred to “sanctuary” jurisdictions as local governments that don’t honor immigration detainer requests, don’t assist with administrative warrants, don’t share immigration status information, or don’t allow local police to assist in immigration enforcement operations.

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Luna said that in 2024, his department received “995 civil detainer requests from ICE and did not comply with any of them because that would violate both state law and county policy.”

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At Thursday’s oversight meeting, Luna said the department received 995 civil detainer requests from ICE in 2024, and that it did not comply with any of them, which it is not legally required to do.

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But thanks to a newly unveiled criminal indictment and a pending immigration detainer, it’s highly unlikely that he will be returning home to his wife and children anytime soon.

Read more on Slate