Long Island Congressman Nick LaLota has threatened to withhold millions in federal funding for infrastructure upgrades from East Hampton, demanding the town repeal its sanctuary laws. The Republican representative placed approximately $9 million in Community Project Funding, requested by the town, in limbo after both the town and village passed measures prohibiting local police departments from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on civil enforcement matters.
LaLota stated in a letter to local officials last month that he will not support funding requests from municipalities that have enacted laws or taken actions to obstruct cooperation with federal authorities. Community Project Funding, commonly known as earmarks, allows House members to request federal dollars for specific projects in their districts.
East Hampton has requested $9 million in earmarks for public safety and infrastructure, including $5 million for road resurfacing and over $4 million for new police cruisers. LaLota indicated he would support funds designated for law enforcement.
East Hampton officials have pushed back against LaLota's ultimatum. Village Mayor Jerry Larsen stated that the village will not be intimidated into abandoning a law they believe protects public safety, respects constitutional rights, and serves the community's best interests. Larsen criticized the congressman for using federal tax dollars as leverage to force local governments to abandon lawfully enacted policies. He clarified that the law does not prevent federal authorities from enforcing federal immigration laws but rather dictates how local resources are utilized and ensures constitutional protections are upheld.
Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez echoed this defiance, noting that LaLota had previously supported federal funding for East Hampton's police equipment before threatening to cut off funds. LaLota, however, claimed that some East Hampton residents disapprove of the sanctuary policy and support his decision to withhold funds.