WBAL.com

Anne Arundel County can now hold undocumented immigrants wanted by federal authorities for up to two days in the county detention center.

The new policy gives immigration officials more time to investigate deportation procedures.

The policy applies to people who are not facing local charges, but come to authorities’ attention for other reasons. Often police find their names in a database of people wanted by federal authorities during traffic stops.

Before, people wanted by immigration officials were released from police stations after 12 hours if federal authorities did not arrive. Now, they can be moved to county jails and held for up to 48 hours.

Anne Arundel is not the first Maryland county with such a policy. Montgomery County already holds immigrants wanted by federal authorities.