East Hampton officials tell wealthy, fretful New Yorkers their nannies, hired help won’t be deported

During a Tuesday community meeting between village and town leaders and residents, East Hampton Village Police Chief Jeffry Erickson said that local law enforcement doesn’t have the authority to enforce federal laws and that they won’t hold onto illegal immigrants if handed an ICE detainer. "If it is an ICE detainer or an administrative warrant, we do not have the authority, we will not hold them."

At a separate meeting, East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo said, "If it is an ICE detainer or an administrative warrant, we do not have the authority, we will not hold them," adding, "I haven’t seen an ICE agent in this town in I can’t tell you how long," per the East Hampton Star. Sarlo also said that "The only way any of my officers could ever enforce federal immigration law is if they were deputized. The town board would not allow any of our officers to be deputized."

"You see what I’m wearing here," Sarlo said, pointing at his forearm, "People who wear this and put this on don’t interfere with other people who wear this and put this on because then people die. You don’t step in front of an immigration enforcement officer in uniform with a gun and a badge who’s taking his action," adding, "That’s for attorneys to get involved in and that is for policies and procedures through the state to get involved."

One resident, Alex Lovett, told News12, "I think it’s a very good idea and very helpful considering we have a very large community here, and people rely on them" She added, "They’ve been a vital part of the community for a very long time."