Roosevelt Avenue Under Siege: A Community’s Desperate Battle Against International Criminal Networks

A two-mile stretch of Roosevelt Avenue in Queens has become a hub for international criminal activity, with gangs including the 18th Street group, Tren de Aragua, and Chinese crime networks controlling brothels, trafficking operations, and document fraud. Residents describe the area as an “occupied territory,” where fear and exploitation dominate daily life.

In response, the grassroots Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition has urged the FBI to intervene, citing the failure of local law enforcement to dismantle entrenched networks. While federal arrests have disrupted operations, community leaders stress that only sustained pressure can reclaim the neighborhood and protect families from escalating violence and exploitation.