East Hampton Village leaders hold special meeting about immigration enforcement
Dozens of people showed up to speak directly to police and local leaders about whether they would help U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who might come to the Village to enforce immigration laws.
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Village of East Hampton officials and police held a special meeting Tuesday night about immigration enforcement.
Dozens of people showed up to speak directly to police and local leaders about whether they would help U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who might come to the Village to enforce immigration laws.
“A lot of people have a lot of fears," said Beatriz Rivas, of East Hampton Village. "I hear a lot of people, they are worried.”
"There is a lot of speculation all around," said East Hampton Village business owner Alex Verdugo.
"It's clear to me that everybody thinks that ICE is just going to come and take anybody that is here...that is not what's happening," said East Hampton Village Mayor Jerry Larsen.
"We are not federal agents. We don't have the authority to ask for people's immigration status," said East Hampton Village Police Chief Jeffrey Erickson.
While police will not be out asking questions about immigration status, Erickson says officers will not ignore a federal warrant.
"If it's a criminal, judicial warrant signed by a judge, it's a warrant we will enforce,” said Erickson.
Verdugo asked at the meeting what he should do if ICE agents show up at his tree-trimming business.
"It's just a concern because I'm not on either side of it but I want to be in the middle and I want to do what's right for everybody," said Verdugo.
Village leaders told residents and Verdugo, in English and Spanish, that they have rights guaranteed by the Constitution when it comes to any interaction with law enforcement and gave them pamphlets explaining them.
Village residents say they are glad to get their questions answered but remain concerned.
"The kids, they are very worried," said Rivas.
Village leaders also repeatedly stressed at the meeting to residents and for anyone in the Village of East Hampton, to not be afraid to call the police to report a crime, if they need help, or if they need an ambulance, no matter their immigration status.
