East Hampton officials hold informational session assuring residents local police won’t enforce ICE detainers

East Hampton town leaders, school and law enforcement officials held a public informational session to reassure residents—particularly Hispanic community members—that local police will not act as immigration enforcement and to explain what rights and protections are available if federal immigration agents appear.

The session opened with the Mayor of East Hampton, speaking as president of the East End Mayors Association, who said local leaders are "all on the same page" and delivered the event's central message: "the local police are not immigration police," urging residents to report crimes and cooperate with emergency services without fear of immigration enforcement.

Superintendent of Schools Adam Fine read a statement sent to parents and emphasized student safety and mental-health supports in district schools. He said school officials will require a judicially signed warrant before allowing any federal agent onto school property and that such warrants would be vetted by district attorneys; parents would be notified if agents sought access to students.

Jeff Farrickson, chief of police for East Hampton Village, reiterated that local departments "are not the ICE police" and said officers do not have authority to enforce administrative ICE detainers. He explained the practical distinction: local police will process traffic stops and other arrests but will only hold someone longer when presented with a judicial or criminal warrant that gives them authority to do so.

Sandra Melendez, introduced as a trustee of East Hampton Village and a local immigration attorney, advised residents on constitutional protections and practical steps in encounters with federal agents. "You have the right to ask for an attorney," she said, and recommended recording encounters, asking for the officer's name and badge and using English- and Spanish-language pamphlets the organizers distributed.

In a series of audience questions, officials addressed common concerns: what schools will do if ICE seeks a parent or child on campus (agents must show badge and a judicial warrant, and security will prevent access absent proper documentation) and whether municipal records could be turned over (the mayor said public records are subject to FOIL; the superintendent said student directory information is minimal and protected under FERPA and district policy).

When asked whether local departments had seen an uptick in federal enforcement activity or received cooperation requests, Chief Farrickson said East Hampton Village had not received ICE detainers or such requests at the time of the meeting but described how his department would handle any future requests consistent with the law.

Organizers urged attendees to share the accurate information with neighbors and confirmed the session was being broadcast live and recorded; materials and Spanish-language coverage were provided to reach affected community members. The meeting closed with officials offering follow-up contact information for residents with additional questions.

The session produced no formal motions or votes; it was an informational meeting to explain existing policies and resources and to answer residents' questions.