Residents of Roosevelt Avenue in Queens say a “red-light district” has emerged under the elevated train tracks, where brothels disguised as bodegas or massage parlors openly operate. Once a bustling immigrant commercial area, the neighborhood now faces serious issues with prostitution and drug sales. Despite over 350 arrests by police this year, residents claim the problem persists as arrested criminals are quickly replaced, forcing families to walk through dangerous streets near schools and impacting children’s mental health.
Community leaders frustrated by ineffective local crackdowns formed Restore Roosevelt Avenue and bypassed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, appealing directly to FBI Director Kash Patel for federal intervention. Federal agents recently arrested members of the violent 18th Street gang linked to the area, but locals insist only a large-scale federal effort using racketeering and trafficking laws can dismantle the entrenched criminal networks, which include groups like Tren de Aragua and Chinese organized crime.
The impact on residents is profound. Rosa Sanchez, spokesperson for the coalition, emphasized, “Our kids shouldn’t have to see women being forced to sell their bodies.” Many neighborhood families have altered their daily routines to avoid high-risk blocks.
While AOC has requested funding for nonprofits supporting trafficking victims, critics argue her response pales compared to Rep. Grace Meng’s push for federal funds and stronger NYPD cooperation. This has sparked criticism about AOC’s priorities.
Law enforcement tools like nuisance abatement temporarily close brothels but do not stop traffickers from relocating. Residents want focus on targeting traffickers rather than punishing the exploited women.
The Roosevelt Avenue crisis highlights broader issues around immigration, organized crime, and urban governance. The community is determined to speak out and demand meaningful change as their neighborhood transforms under these pressures.
