Long Island Congressman Nick LaRota is intensifying his stance against East Hampton’s sanctuary laws, suggesting he might withhold federal funding for infrastructure if local governments don’t repeal them.
Last month, LaRota put nearly $9 million in community project funds requested by East Hampton on hold after the city enacted two bills, initiated by Latino advocacy groups, that restrict local police cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding civil enforcement.
“I’m giving the town a choice, and the town will have to deal with the consequences of that decision,” the Republican congressman remarked about the ultimatum.
LaRota previously communicated through a letter to local supervisors and mayors, indicating he wouldn’t support funding requests from municipalities that intentionally obstruct or decline lawful cooperation with federal authorities by adopting conflicting policies.
Funding from the Congressional Community Projects Fund, also known as earmarks, consists of federal money that individual Congress members request for specific projects within their districts each budget cycle.
This situation grants LaRota significant influence over whether East Hampton’s funding application receives approval from the House Appropriations Committee. Records indicate that East Hampton has asked for $9 million this fiscal year aimed at improving public safety and infrastructure.
For the upcoming year, East Hampton is seeking $5 million to repave 22 miles of roads and just over $4 million for new police vehicles, which LaRota argues will aid law enforcement efforts.
The two-term lawmaker emphasized that earmarks would only be brought to the floor based on his judgment, and he plans to consider requests that align with his values and collaborate effectively with federal partners.
However, East Hampton, where around 27% of residents are Latino, is standing firm despite LaRota’s threats.
“While Councilman LaRota is entitled to his opinions about village policies, Easthampton will not be intimidated into overturning laws that we believe safeguard public safety and uphold constitutional rights,” stated Village President Jerry Larsen.
Larsen accused LaRota of leveraging federal taxes to pressure local governments to abandon legally enacted policies.
“Our law doesn’t obstruct federal immigration enforcement; instead, it clarifies how local resources are utilized and ensures that constitutional protections are honored,” he added.
Town Supervisor Kathy Burke-Gonzalez also expressed her resolve, mentioning that she had celebrated federal funding for Easthampton’s police equipment prior to LaRota’s threat to defund it. Yet, LaRota claimed that East Hampton residents opposing the policy are, in effect, endorsing the withholding of taxpayer funds from the town.
