The Frederick County sheriff has joined with federal authorities to identify and deport illegal immigrants by checking on the immigration status of people they stop for minor offenses. This is going on throughout the country. Just yesterday, the New York Times reported that local police departments have rounded up hundreds of immigrants for nonviolent, often minor, crimes, (including fishing without a license in Georgia) and the end result is deportation. The Time says some 95 departments from coast to coast are looking to join the 47 already in partnership with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement to investigate and detain people they suspect to be illegal immigrants.

This is the subject of the noon hour of Midday today (88.1, WYPR). The Frederick County sheriff turned down our invitation to participate in the discussion. We'll discuss this issue with Kerry O'Brien, manager of the legal program for Casa De Maryland.  You can send comment or questions in advance of the show to midday@wypr.org