Finding illicit sex along Roosevelt Avenue in Queens has become quite simple as the number of sex workers has surged while prostitution-related arrests have fallen by 60% since Zohran Mamdani, known for a softer approach to crime, took office as mayor earlier this year.
A 40-year-old man from Manhattan, John, mentioned he has no qualms about riding the subway to this infamous area, famously nicknamed the “Market of Sweethearts.” He commented that prices are “cheap” and that law enforcement appears limited by lenient regulations.
Scantily clad women openly advertise “happy ending” massages and more throughout the day and night in front of two-story commercial buildings, often within view of patrolling officers.
The sex workers lead clients into numerous illegal brothels scattered along the avenue’s red-light district, which spans approximately two miles through Jackson Heights and Corona.
“I can get it done for $60 to $80,” John proudly declared. “In Manhattan, it costs $200 to $300.”
He added that arranging a rendezvous is quite simple, stating, “They just show up, and that’s it. If I get bored with them, I can always go to Flushing.”
“The Chinese women charge $60 for sex and $40 for oral sex,” he explained, noting that they’re sometimes willing to engage in unprotected sex for $100 or more. “Latinas cost more. With the Chinese women, you get 30 minutes; the Latinas guard the time more closely.”
He described how the women take clients to “a place upstairs, in very small rooms.”
A reporter recently observed nine Asian women actively soliciting business near 90th Street, while others were seen managing the transactions. They all opted not to comment when approached.
However, upon encountering some Ecuadorian sex workers, the reporter experienced competition for attention. One advertised “massages” with “three positions” for $100 for a 20-minute session, including a $50 fee to secure a room in a nearby building. Another offered an hour for $300, noting, “Normally it’s just 15 minutes, but for a half hour we can do it for $150. I give you four positions. We can do whatever.”
Due to legislative changes in February 2021, which repealed a loitering law aimed at prostitution, the streets of New York City have seen a rise in sex workers and pimps openly operating. This shift allowed prostitution to thrive, redirecting police efforts toward traffickers and other criminal elements.
According to NYPD records, there have been 193 prostitution-related arrests along Roosevelt Avenue this year through September 13, marking a significant 59% decrease from 468 arrests during the same timeframe last year when the previous administration, including former Mayor Eric Adams, conducted an enforcement operation known as “Operation Restore Roosevelt.”
Despite this drop in arrests, major crimes like murder and shootings in the area have seen only a 3% decline.
Former state senator Hiram Monserrate expressed concern about the flourishing of illegal prostitution and trafficking since Mamdani’s election, attributing it to decreased law enforcement efforts. “It’s clear there is less enforcement, and that likely comes from the top,” he remarked, describing the situation as a “disaster” and urging change.
A city government official noted the cycle of enforcement: “The cops catch these johns and put them away, but they pop up like whack-a-mole. Enough is enough. Someone needs to shut it down.”
Some believe the issue extends to higher authorities. A women’s advocate speculated that the police commissioner may wish to take action but lacks support from the current mayor compared to previous administrations.
A representative for Mayor Mamdani stated he is dedicated to collaborating with local organizations and residents to improve conditions along Roosevelt Avenue, stressing the need to combine enforcement with support for victims and survivors.
This year, many of the individuals arrested for soliciting along Roosevelt Avenue include repeat offenders. For example, John Maddox, 52, and Mario Sanchez, 31, were both charged with patronizing prostitution after allegedly offering money for sex. Each has a history of arrests, with Maddox having 12 prior arrests, and Sanchez five.
John, the Manhattan resident, believes the public should not place blame solely on law enforcement. He remarked, “The police are always around, but it seems like there’s nothing they can do. The women know New York laws are lax. Many come from other states… That’s what they tell me.”
