The Queens chapter of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has criticized a major police crackdown on crime in Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s district, claiming that increased police presence makes the area “less safe.” The crackdown was launched to address issues such as open-air prostitution and illegal street vending on Roosevelt Avenue, a two-mile commercial strip in Queens. The DSA released a statement condemning the “militarized violence” against migrant workers in the area, accusing the NYPD of harassing and harming community members.
Despite acknowledging the prevalence of prostitution in the area, which has earned it the nickname “Red Light” district, the DSA did not explicitly oppose police clamping down on this issue. The group pointed out that the NYPD has targeted street vendors, many of whom are migrants, by shutting them down and destroying their livelihoods. The DSA believes that the community needs investment in areas such as education, affordable housing, language resources, and reliable transit, rather than increased policing. The group called for the withdrawal of state troopers and NYPD officers from Roosevelt Avenue and an end to militarized violence in the area.
The Roosevelt Avenue strip is represented by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has been endorsed by the DSA for re-election. The DSA and Ocasio-Cortez have advocated for defunding the police in the past, following the death of George Floyd in 2020. Illegal vendors on Roosevelt Avenue often operate without permits or health certifications, cooking food in the open on sidewalks. The vendors, who are predominantly migrants, claim they have no other options for survival due to lack of work permits and English proficiency. The DSA supports their right to operate in the area.
Mayor Eric Adams launched “Operation Restore Roosevelt” to crack down on crime in the neighborhood over a 90-day period by deploying over 200 extra police officers, including state troopers. The DSA’s statement condemning the police crackdown came after former New York state Senator Hiram Monserrate, who is running for state Assembly, was chased out of the neighborhood by protesters opposing the operation. Monserrate highlighted the prevalence of crime, brothels, and sex workers in the area, emphasizing the necessity of police intervention to address these issues. He called for a resolution to the crime wave that has affected the community.
The DSA argues that increased police presence in the area does not make the community safer and calls for a focus on investment in essential services such as education, housing, and transit. The group stands in solidarity with workers on Roosevelt Avenue and demands that their livelihoods be returned and reimbursed. The DSA claims that the militarized violence against immigrant workers and minority communities must end, and resources should be redirected to support the needs of the community. The debate surrounding policing and community safety in Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s district highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and social justice advocates.
