illegally

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Immigration agents, I noted, were acting as though they had carte blanche to detain people suspected of being in the U.S. illegally, conducting raids that sometimes swept up American citizens.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

"What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they are illegally in the US."

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

He adds that this raises "serious questions about corporate responsibility and due diligence in politically sensitive and illegally occupied territories".

From BBC • May 24, 2026

The move will affect both immigrants in the country illegally and foreign professionals sponsored by U.S. companies.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

I would tell them that the Border Patrol officer had made a mistake thinking I was here illegally, that once I proved to him I was born in Colton, California, he let me back in.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez