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EXCLUSIVE: NEW YORK – The FBI is preparing to disrupt and dismantle the transnational gangs that have turned a busy commercial area in Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s district into a hub of crime characterized by illegal prostitution, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and violence.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Christopher Raia, the FBI’s assistant director in charge of the New York office, revealed that multiple squads have been deployed to monitor the challenging two-mile stretch along Roosevelt Avenue in Queens. Raia emphasized that agents are collaborating intensively with the NYPD to eliminate the leadership of these gangs. The district, also represented by Representative Grace Meng, has attracted growing concerns due to its crime challenges.
The announcement follows repeated calls from local officials urging FBI Director Kash Patel to decisively confront these violent gangs. Residents have organized weekly protests against what they claim are well-known brothels masquerading as beauty salons.
This immigrant-rich neighborhood, often labeled a red-light district, is additionally marred by litter and unsanitary conditions, alongside illegal vendors peddling unregulated food and possibly stolen merchandise.
COMMUNITY OUTRAGE GROWS OVER CRIME AND PROSTITUTION IN AOC’S DISTRICT
PHOTOS: Swipe to view images of NYC’s troubled Roosevelt Avenue
Earlier this summer, a significant FBI operation resulted in the arrest of eight members of the 18th Street gang, who are accused of engaging in violent acts to assert their control over the area. Originating in Los Angeles in the 1960s, the 18th Street gang is primarily composed of Hispanic and Latino members.
Raia stated during the interview, “What happened in June was only the tip of the iceberg. We have only just begun our efforts there. We are observing you and accumulating intelligence. Eventually, the disruptive syndicates will face justice.”
As the bureau’s lead official in New York, Raia has prioritized Roosevelt Avenue since his appointment in April. His objectives align with Patel’s broader initiative to tackle violent crime in urban centers.
He noted that local officials had reached out to express their concerns regarding crime, underscoring, “We have taken your requests seriously. We are diligently working to ensure safety in your community.”
Raia assured community members that the FBI is committed to their cause, emphasizing, “We are putting in the necessary effort to restore safety in this area.”
Beyond the 18th Street gang, Raia expressed concern over the presence of several Asian gangs operating in the vicinity.
“Intelligence indicates that Asian gangs are active within the neighborhood, and various other localized street gangs are also present. We remain vigilant in assessing the situation,” he stated.
Residents have also highlighted the incursion of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and the notorious MS-13 in the region.
Raia, who previously held a position overseeing counterterrorism in Washington, revealed that gangs along Roosevelt Avenue are involved in an extensive range of criminal activities, including armed robbery, assault, sex trafficking, narcotics, and weapons trafficking.
“These gangs engage in a multitude of offenses. Various factions within these organizations might focus on different criminal activities such as prostitution, robbery, or narcotics smuggling. It is multifaceted when it comes to these gangs,” he explained.
Raia indicated that gangs significantly profit from prostitution, suspecting numerous women working along Roosevelt Avenue to be victims of trafficking.
“Many sex workers operating on Roosevelt Avenue are indeed victims. We are meticulously investigating these individuals, focusing on both human trafficking and prostitution facets,” Raia remarked.
LOCAL OFFICIALS CRITICAL OF INACTION ON PROSTITUTION AND CRIME
A recent indictment by a Queens grand jury charged a 31-year-old woman with sex trafficking, linking her to at least two female victims, including one brought from Mexico in 2022. Prosecutors allege that Valezka Echeverrias coerced the victim into prostitution along Roosevelt Avenue for $800 a night and physically assaulted her for not meeting targets. Echeverrias previously faced similar charges for forcing a transgender woman into prostitution.
Fox News Digital previously observed at least 30 women seemingly soliciting sex on one block earlier this year following Ocasio-Cortez’s town hall, underscoring the pervasive nature of this issue.
This week, police reported an incident where a man was stabbed multiple times while riding the subway above Roosevelt Avenue, and only weeks before, a reckless driver fatally struck a 16-year-old girl in the area.
Raia cautioned gang members to prepare for forthcoming raids orchestrated by the bureau, indicating that significant behind-the-scenes preparations are in place.
“Our operations are extensive, and while we may not be overtly visible now, we are gearing up for a significant crackdown on gang members,” he stated.
Residents expressed frustration over the persistence of brothels in the area and their concerns about suspects being repeatedly arrested and returning to the streets. Although a substantial 90-day crackdown on local crime last year initially reduced criminal activity, residents reported that the positive impact was short-lived.
Raia contrasted the FBI’s approach with NYPD’s; he highlighted that NYPD investigations often lead to prompt arrests with milder penalties. With federal prosecutions, the FBI can pursue much more severe charges that include racketeering, human trafficking, and narcotics trafficking, often resulting in longer sentences.
For instance, the NYPD reported over 350 arrests for prostitution-related incidents in the area this year alone.
LOCAL LEADERS SEEK COOPERATION TO TACKLE VIOLENT CRIME
Raia emphasized, “When the FBI engages with a case, we target the root of the problem. Our investigations tend to be more intricate and time-consuming. However, we possess the resources to deliver more significant legal ramifications within the federal justice system.”
Former Democratic State Senator Hiram Monserrate, who has led protests against brothels alongside the Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition, welcomed the increased FBI involvement.
“Organized crime has turned this area into a significant player in New York City’s illegal sex trade, creating a refuge for unlawful operations,” Monserrate stated, reflecting on the rising challenges in the community.
He added that the extent of current crime is unparalleled compared to the past when similar concerns plagued the area.
Monserrate advocated for continued and comprehensive FBI involvement to eradicate the gangs disrupting the community, asserting that such action represents the most viable strategy to restore safety.
Representative Meng echoed this sentiment, advocating for additional federal resources for local law enforcement.
“Our efforts must focus on prosecuting human trafficking, addressing violent crime, and increasing funding for state and local law enforcement initiatives,” Meng stated.
Although Ocasio-Cortez’s office did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital, the focus remains on enhancing the safety and quality of life for the residents of this troubled district.
