Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau established an office that will help process crimes against undocumented immigrants in the city. Community leaders called it a step forward in immigrant rights.

Leaders, such as Juan Carlos Ruiz of the New York Sanctuary Movement, commented that this department will help prevent abuse against the undocumented community at a time when thousands feel threatened because they do not have legal papers.

Ruiz noted that the District Attorney is setting as example for other districts to treat the immigrant community with more respect and address the abuse that immigrants suffer due to their immigration status.

José Rojano of the Mexican Society in New York reacted in the same way, commenting, “It’s great that there was someone looking out for immigrant interests. I think it’s wonderful not just for our countrymen, but for all immigrants.”

Rojano added that in these times, the immigrant community needs more support because of the large number of raids that are happening around the country. “I wish more people were like District Attorney Robert Morgenthau. We need immigrants to be seen as human beings with rights, who should be protected and not persecuted.”

Rojano, originally from the state of Puebla in Mexico, said that this piece of news should be an incentive for organizations helping the immigrant community.

“It’s important to address the topic of immigration and do something for all of the people who need to resolve their situation in this country and want to integrate themselves the economy, with guaranteed rights and their corresponding responsibilities,” he said.