As Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez builds her presence in national politics, her local Bronx and Queens district is experiencing a significant increase in crime, which has surged by 70% since she took office in 2019.
This information stems from an analysis by a local publication, drawing on data from the New York Police Department that reflects conditions in her legislative areas, as well as reactions from community members and leaders regarding rising crime rates.
The reported major crimes include murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, grand larceny, and auto theft.
One particularly alarming statistic is that the Queens’ 110th precinct, which deals with problems related to prostitution and gang activity, saw a staggering 105% increase in crime.
Community reports highlight a “Bodega Brothel” on Roosevelt Avenue near two elementary schools, prompting police action after local protests revealed frustrations with a lack of assistance from officials.
Elsewhere in Ocasio-Cortez’s district, crime rates have also climbed above the citywide average. Some residents are voicing their discontent, criticizing lawmakers who seem disengaged. One long-time resident, Guaderupe Alvarez, spoke out:
“She doesn’t care. She doesn’t even live here,” noted Alvarez, who has seen the changes in her neighborhood over her lifetime. “It’s like these ‘Squad’ members are more concerned with their fame than actual issues at home.”
Alvarez, no longer a supporter of AOC, shared her distress over a brothel operating close to her childhood home, remarking how she frequently witnesses gang-related activities and criminal behavior nearby.
Expressing her frustration, she added, “I can’t wait to leave this place. It’s sad to see it come to this; I’m certainly not alone in feeling this way.”
Republican City Council candidate Ramses Frias also criticized Ocasio-Cortez, highlighting the disconnect between political rhetoric and the needs of constituents. “People are terrified to step outside,” he remarked.
Furthermore, the ongoing debate around police funding has seen Ocasio-Cortez advocate for reduced budgets, with her proposed cuts of $1.5 billion being criticized for their impact on law enforcement capabilities. In the same period, New York City had increased police personnel by over a thousand officers.
Recent initiatives by Mayor Eric Adams, such as Operation Roosevelt, have attempted to address the issues on Roosevelt Avenue, resulting in numerous arrests and a reported 37% reduction in overall crime in the area this year. However, crime rates still exceed those from 2019.
The publication has outlined its methods for analyzing these crime trends.
The analysis involved a review of historical crime data pertaining to various serious offenses within precincts that fall under Ocasio-Cortez’s district.
As of now, Ocasio-Cortez’s office has not responded to inquiries about these developments.
