ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of the local community of Paranesti, Drama regarding the operation of the detention center for illegal immigrants in their area. The survey was conducted following the quantitative approach with data collection through a questionnaire. The findings of the survey have shown that residents believe that there should be such detention centers, but not close to their place of residence. In addition, the residents said they were, to some extent, disturbed by the existence of the immigration detention center in their area, although their attitude was more negative before setting up, and expressed their opinion that their attitude has changed to a small extent. The residents are of the opinion that the presence of the detention center has little impact on economic life and tourism in the area. Keywords: Immigration, immigration detention centers, residents' views 4