The city’s latest budget will allocate funds to form an Immigrant Affairs Unit at the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office.

District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, the borough’s City Council delegation, and local immigration activists worked to bring the unit to the borough.

“The Immigrant Affairs Unit will be a vital asset, allowing us to directly communicate with these communities, prevent them from being victimized and vigorously prosecute those who do them harm, as we continue our mission of building trust between law enforcement and all people of this borough,” McMahon said in a statement.

Council member Debi Rose said she fought for the resources, because it will protect public health and safety, and increase community outreach.

“Staten Island is home to thousands of immigrants, and yet we have been the only borough without an immigration unit in the District Attorney’s Office,” she said.

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