New York state troopers have joined forces with local law enforcement to clean up a crime-infested area in Queens, including part of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s district. The multi-agency crackdown spearheaded by Mayor Eric Adams aims to restore law and order to a two-mile stretch along Roosevelt Avenue known for prostitution, illegal vendors, and robberies. Residents have long complained about the dire conditions, with some comparing the area to a Third World country. The operation, named “Operation Restore Roosevelt,” involves a beefed-up presence of law enforcement officers, including state troopers, to crack down on criminal activities and bring about lasting change.
The commercial strip on Roosevelt Avenue has become an epicenter of vice, with migrant prostitutes openly soliciting sex and illegal vendors cooking food on sidewalks. Local parents have raised concerns about the proximity of sex workers to schools and taekwondo centers. Mayor Adams, along with top NYPD officials, has vowed to end sex trafficking in the area and maintain a continued police presence to address the ongoing issues. The deployment of state troopers has been welcomed by residents and grassroots groups who have long advocated for a cleanup of the area.
The dire situation along Roosevelt Avenue has escalated in recent years, with brothel raids and other police efforts having little impact on the criminal activities taking place. Residents have reported a worsening of conditions this summer, leading to a collaborative effort between city and state law enforcement agencies to address the entrenched criminal elements operating in the area. Council Member Francisco Moya and other local politicians have voiced support for the increased police presence, acknowledging the need for public safety and improved quality of life for residents.
Local activist Hiram Monserrate, along with the Let’s Improve Roosevelt Avenue Coalition, has called for more police resources to combat organized criminal operations in the area. He has criticized other elected officials for advocating for defunding the police and legalizing prostitution, arguing that stronger enforcement measures are necessary to address the complex issues plaguing the community. Monserrate also highlighted the impact of New York’s controversial bail laws, which have resulted in a cycle of criminality and a rise in urban crime zones like Roosevelt Avenue.
Despite police efforts to raid suspected brothels and crack down on criminal activities, residents report that few are ever prosecuted and some establishments even reopen shortly after being shut down. The presence of gangs, cartels, and human trafficking rings has contributed to the deteriorating conditions along Roosevelt Avenue, requiring a coordinated law enforcement response to restore law and order. The recent guilty plea of an MS-13 gang member involved in sex trafficking in the area underscores the severity of the situation and the need for continued efforts to curb illegal operations.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other local officials have yet to publicly address the ongoing crisis along Roosevelt Avenue, despite the pleas of residents and community advocates. Rep. Grace Meng has expressed support for ongoing efforts to address illegal operations in the neighborhood, thanking city officials and law enforcement for their work. Governor Kathy Hochul’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the situation. As state troopers and local police continue their crackdown on criminal activities, residents hope for lasting change and a return to safety and security in their community.
