Anne Arundel County has signed a memorandum of agreement with the federal government making it the latest county in Maryland to join the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s 287(g) program. Under the program counties help screen inmates in jail for immigration violations using federal databases.

As reported in The Capital Gazette:

Federal officials finalized a 287(g) contract with the county on Monday, according to a memorandum of agreement released by County Executive Steve Schuh’s office.

Under the deal, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an arm of the Department of Homeland Security, will train county correctional officers to use federal databases that screen new inmates for immigration violations, warrants and prior crimes.

A Schuh spokesman framed the agreement earlier this year as part of a “moderate and measured approach” to immigration enforcement.

“We’re here to help the federal government enforce federal law,” spokesman Owen McEvoy reiterated Thursday. “That’s an appropriate role for the county.”

…

Anne Arundel joins two other Maryland counties, Frederick and Harford, that signed 287(g) agreements last year. Nationwide, 42 jurisdictions in 17 states have joined the program, according to ICE’s website.

Though the deal takes effect immediately, county officials predicted it would take months to train corrections officers and install new technology necessary for the screening.

…

The contract, which lasts through June 30, 2019, and is eligible for renewal, can be terminated at any time by either ICE or Anne Arundel County.

Read the full article in The Capital Gazette to learn more.