Roosevelt Avenue in Queens, New York City, represented by progressive Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Grace Meng, has seen a resurgence of open prostitution, illegal vending, and criminal activity despite a recent months-long police crackdown. Residents are frustrated, likening the area to a 'Red Light district' and criticizing their representatives for inaction. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry acknowledges improvements from 'Operation Restore Roosevelt' but states more needs to be done and seeks collaboration from Ocasio-Cortez and Meng, who have been criticized for not engaging with police efforts.
AOC, progressives ripped for ignoring 'Red Light' district as prostitution, filthy streets return
CrimeAlexandria-ocasio-cortezSexPolicelawDemocratsUnited States
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Roosevelt Avenue in Queens, New York City, represented by progressive Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Grace Meng, has seen a resurgence of open prostitution, illegal vending, and criminal activity despite a recent months-long police crackdown. Residents are frustrated, likening the area to a 'Red Light district' and criticizing their representatives for inaction. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry acknowledges improvements from 'Operation Restore Roosevelt' but states more needs to be done and seeks collaboration from Ocasio-Cortez and Meng, who have been criticized for not engaging with police efforts.
Trending- 1 October (implied 2024): 'Operation Restore Roosevelt' (90-day enhanced police crime crackdown) began.
- 2 Last month: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's town hall took place. Fox News Digital visited Roosevelt Avenue after the town hall.
- 3 Days after Ocasio-Cortez’s town hall: Authorities shut down the 'bodega brothel'.
- 4 Recent Tuesday: Two brothels were raided by police on Grace Meng's side of Roosevelt Avenue.
- 5 Recent Friday: Fox News Digital returned to the neighborhood and witnessed rampant prostitution and illegal vending.
- Residents feel like 'prisoners in their own homes'
- Increased criminal activity and public safety concerns
- Unsanitary conditions from illegal food vending
- Potential human trafficking
- Criticism and political pressure on local representatives
- Police efforts being undermined by the rapid return of illicit activities
What: A resurgence of open prostitution, illegal vending (including suspected stolen/counterfeit goods and unsanitary food), and criminal activity (including suspected gang operations and brothels) on Roosevelt Avenue.
When: Activity has reverted to previous levels after a months-long crackdown. Fox News Digital visited last month (after Ocasio-Cortez's town hall) and again on Friday (recent visit). 'Operation Restore Roosevelt' started in October (implied 2024). Brothels were raided days after Ocasio-Cortez's town hall and on a recent Tuesday.
Where: Roosevelt Avenue, Queens, New York City, United States. Specific locations mentioned include a corner store near two schools, and a Dunkin' Donuts on Roosevelt and 82nd Street.
Why: Residents are fed up with the ongoing blight and feel ignored by their representatives. The police crackdown, 'Operation Restore Roosevelt,' has not had a lasting effect. Warming weather is believed to contribute to the increase in activity. The migrant crisis has exacerbated the situation by drawing more people to the area.
How: Sex workers are openly soliciting clients, vendors are selling suspected stolen/counterfeit goods and unsanitary food, and gangs (18th Street gang, Tren de Aragua) are suspected of operating. Police conducted 'Operation Restore Roosevelt' with over 200 additional officers and raided brothels. However, the activity has returned, indicating the methods used were not sufficient for long-term deterrence.