A socialist group in Queens has raised concerns that increased police presence in a crime-ridden neighborhood in Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s district may be making the area 'less safe.' The Queens chapter of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) criticized a major police crackdown on crime in the borough, particularly targeting issues such as prostitution and illegal street vending.
The socialist group released a statement condemning what they described as 'militarized violence' against migrant workers on Roosevelt Avenue, a commercial strip known for open-air prostitution and unpermitted street vendors. The group accused the authorities of surveilling, disrupting, and harming the livelihoods of immigrant workers in the area.
While the socialist group did not explicitly oppose police efforts to address prostitution in the neighborhood, they argued that the increased police presence has led to negative consequences for the community. They claimed that the NYPD's actions have resulted in harassment of community members, confiscation of goods from street vendors, and the destruction of their sources of income.
The DSA chapter in Queens advocated for investment in community resources such as schools, affordable housing, libraries, language support services, and public transportation, rather than heightened policing. They demanded the withdrawal of New York State troopers and NYPD officers from Roosevelt Avenue and called for an end to what they termed as militarized violence in the area.
On the other hand, Mayor Eric Adams recently launched 'Operation Restore Roosevelt,' deploying over 200 additional police officers, including state troopers, to address criminal activities in the neighborhood over a 90-day period. The operation aims to crack down on illicit behavior, including the presence of brothels and unlicensed street vendors.
These developments have sparked tensions in the community, with differing opinions on the impact of increased police presence. While some, like former New York state Senator Hiram Monserrate, support the police operation as necessary to combat rising crime rates, others, including the Queens DSA chapter, argue that more policing may not be the solution to the underlying issues faced by immigrant workers and residents in the area.
