East Hampton village's police chief told News 12 that his officers do not have the authority to ask for people's immigration status.

Some East Hampton residents said they're worried about people in their community being affected by the new federal immigration policy.

"They've been a vital part of the community for a very long time," said Alex Lovett, of East Hampton.

The East Hampton police chief said village officers are not federal agents and won't be enforcing federal immigration laws.

The police chief said his officers can't ignore a federal warrant, but he wants residents to know they should feel safe reporting crimes regardless of their immigration status.

"If they're a victim of a crime, we don't want them to fear the police, we want them to call us so we can protect them," said East Hampton Police Chief Jeffrey Erickson.

At a special meeting Tuesday night, the village aimed to calm residents' fears by giving out pamphlets explaining constitutional rights to those in attendance.

People worried about the federal immigration policies say they are glad the village addressed some of their concerns about the local police.

"I think it's a very good idea and very helpful considering we have a very large community here, and people rely on them," said Lovett.

The East Hampton police chief said none of the department's protocols have changed and that they will be policing the community the same way they have been for years.