Queens Residents Demand Federal Crackdown on Gang-Controlled Sex Trafficking Corridor

A growing group of concerned community leaders and residents in New York City’s Queens borough are calling for urgent federal intervention to stop what they describe as a deepening crisis of organized crime, human trafficking, and drug activity along the notorious Roosevelt Avenue corridor.

In a renewed plea to FBI Director Kash Patel, members of the Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition demanded immediate federal enforcement actions to dismantle the networks of violent foreign gangs they say have turned their streets into a 24/7 red-light zone.

“This can’t continue,” said Rosa Sanchez, a spokesperson for the coalition, during a weekend protest outside a suspected brothel. “Our families, our children — they’re being forced to witness things no one should see on their way to school or work.”

The protests have been taking place outside locations that residents claim are long-running brothels — one operating behind a bodega, another posing as a massage parlor. Demonstrators have plastered the buildings with signs reading “Shut it down”, demanding the federal government take action where local efforts have repeatedly fallen short.

A Corridor in Crisis

Roosevelt Avenue in Queens has long had a reputation for crime, but residents say things have gotten significantly worse in recent years. Public solicitation in broad daylight, gang violence, and open-air drug dealing have become common occurrences, despite ongoing enforcement efforts by the NYPD.

Police told Fox News Digital that they’ve already made more than 350 arrests this year alone tied to prostitution-related offenses in and around the area. Yet, community members argue that many of those arrested are exploited women — not the traffickers or criminal ringleaders behind the operations.

The coalition, which represents a diverse and largely immigrant population, believes that the epicenter of this crisis is gang-controlled trafficking — with groups like 18th Street, Tren de Aragua, and elements of Chinese organized crime pulling the strings.

“They run this street like a cartel,” said one local business owner who asked not to be named. “There’s extortion, fake documents, prostitution, drugs — and it’s all being done in the open.”

Pressure on Federal Agencies

In a formal letter addressed to FBI Director Patel, the coalition urged the bureau to initiate broader investigations using federal racketeering and human trafficking laws. They argue that without such action, any short-term arrests are merely symbolic.

The group first reached out to Patel earlier this year. Shortly afterward, a multi-agency federal task force involving the FBI, DEA, and other federal entities arrested eight individuals alleged to be part of the 18th Street gang. They were charged with violent crimes including beatings and stabbings used to maintain control of the territory.

While residents welcomed the arrests, they say the problem has not gone away — only shifted. New gang enforcers have stepped in, and the broader trafficking network remains largely intact.

“This is not a local problem anymore,” Sanchez said. “It’s national. It’s international. These are transnational criminal enterprises operating with impunity on American soil.”

A Local Response — But Is It Enough?

A representative for Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who represents the area, stated that she has requested over $500,000 in federal funding to support nonprofits involved in violence prevention and services for victims of sex trafficking.

However, critics say more direct action is needed.

“We don’t need more nonprofits — we need prosecutions,” said another protester at the rally. “We’re talking about gangs who are trafficking women and dealing drugs right next to schools and family homes.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng, who also represents parts of Queens, acknowledged the crisis and confirmed she had forwarded the group’s letter to the FBI. She added that she is working to secure additional federal funds to help support NYPD operations in the Roosevelt Avenue area.

“I’ve had ongoing conversations with community members and law enforcement,” Meng said in a statement. “We’re pushing for resources to help local police crack down on this dangerous activity.”

A Plea for Protection

Residents say they have nothing against immigrants or sex workers — many of whom are seen as victims — but they want protection from the violent criminal networks exploiting them.

“This is not about politics,” Sanchez said. “It’s about safety. It’s about dignity. No child should grow up watching women being forced to sell themselves in front of their home.”

The Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition plans to continue holding rallies until stronger action is taken. Their message to federal officials is clear: the situation has gone on too long, and local efforts can’t solve it alone.

“We’re asking — no, we’re begging — for help,” Sanchez said. “Because this can’t be the future of our community.”