As counties move to help immigration officials, Maryland lawmakers weigh policy change

When people are booked at Frederick County's jail, they're handed a form asking a series of questions, such as whether they're on medication or experiencing any pain.

It's a standard list used in many jails and booking centers, but with two additions:

What country were you born in?

What country are you a citizen or national of?

The answers to those can trigger a process unique in Maryland to Frederick County. Correctional officers trained by the federal government open an investigation into whether the arrestee is in the country illegally. If so, the officer alerts an on-site federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, who can begin immigration proceedings against them.

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