The FBI has moved into action in Queens, New York, where Roosevelt Avenue has gained a reputation as one of the city’s most crime-heavy areas.
FBI Deploys Squads to Roosevelt Avenue
The street, located in the districts of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Grace Meng, has long been associated with gangs, prostitution, drugs, and human trafficking.
In a sit-down interview, Christopher Raia, the FBI’s top official in New York, confirmed that he has sent multiple squads to the two-mile stretch. Raia said his teams are working with the NYPD to target the leaders of gangs who dominate the area. He warned that the agency is already inside these networks and tracking their every move.
“What happened in June was only the tip of the iceberg,” Raia said, referring to the recent arrests of eight members of the 18th Street gang. These gang members were accused of brutal stabbings and assaults used to maintain control of Roosevelt Avenue. “We have infiltrated you. We are watching you. And someday down the line, you will go to jail.”
The immigrant-heavy neighborhood has been described as a red-light district. Many brothels reportedly operate openly, often disguised as salons. Locals have repeatedly protested, demanding stronger law enforcement as crime continues to surge.
Gangs Behind Drugs, Prostitution and Violence
The 18th Street gang, which started in Los Angeles in the 1960s, is now heavily involved in Roosevelt Avenue. Officials say the gang, which is made up mostly of Hispanic and Latino members, is engaged in drugs, prostitution, and weapons trafficking. Raia also confirmed that Asian gangs are active, and locals believe Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua and MS-13 may also have a presence.
According to Raia, these groups deal in a wide range of crimes. “It’s kind of a smorgasbord,” he explained. Some focus on drugs, while others run prostitution rings or robberies. Many women seen working on Roosevelt Avenue are believed to be victims of sex trafficking.
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A recent Queens grand jury indicted Valezka Echeverrias, a 31-year-old woman accused of forcing women into prostitution. Prosecutors say she brought at least one victim from Mexico in 2022 and demanded $800 a night, beating her if she failed to deliver. She had also been indicted earlier for exploiting a transgender woman.
Police data shows at least 350 arrests tied to prostitution this year in the area. Still, residents say the same brothels stay open for months, with suspects quickly back on the streets. A major 90-day NYPD crackdown last year slowed crime temporarily, but the problem returned soon after.
Meanwhile, violence continues. Earlier this week, a man was stabbed several times on the subway above Roosevelt Avenue. Just two weeks ago, a driver killed a 16-year-old girl in the same area.
FBI Promises Federal Enforcement
Raia stressed that FBI operations will not be quick arrests but deeper investigations. He said federal cases bring tougher penalties than state-level charges, which often lead to lighter sentences. Federal statutes for racketeering, weapons trafficking, and human trafficking can keep criminals behind bars much longer.
“When the FBI gets involved, we tend to attack what I would call the head of the snake,” Raia said. “Our investigations are more complex; they take longer, but the penalties are much stiffer.”
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Local leaders and activists have welcomed the FBI’s involvement. Former state senator Hiram Monserrate, who leads weekly rallies on Roosevelt Avenue, said the community has become the “Walmart of the illegal sex trade.” He believes only federal intervention can bring real change.
Congresswoman Grace Meng also praised the increased federal focus. She said she has pushed for more resources to fight gangs and human trafficking and is seeking funds for a mobile command center to help law enforcement efforts.
While residents wait for results, the FBI has promised more raids and undercover operations in the future. Raia made it clear that gangs in Queens should prepare for federal takedowns at any moment.
