On October 16, 2024, in New York City, a crackdown operation was conducted by the New York City Police Department to tackle the rampant prostitution issues along Roosevelt Avenue in Queens, spanning Elmhurst, North Corona, and Jackson Heights. This area has been a source of complaints from residents regarding the prevalence of prostitution activities. The operation, named “Operation Restore Roosevelt,” was announced on October 15 by Mayor Eric Adams, together with NYC Council Member Moya, at 104th Street in Corona.
Mayor Adams emphasized that Roosevelt Avenue is one of the most diverse streets in New York City, with people from around the world living and making a living in the vicinity. However, it has been plagued by ongoing public safety and quality-of-life issues. Adams stated that the community has been overrun by illegal brothels, unlawful vendors, and unlicensed food trucks in recent months. On the day of the operation, 176 officers, 42 sergeants, and 9 lieutenants were deployed to crack down on illicit activities, focusing on a brothel at 95 Roosevelt Avenue, with state police also participating.
The operation involved several city departments such as the Buildings Department, Fire Department, Sanitation Department, Environmental Protection Bureau, Homeless Services Department, Health and Mental Hygiene Agency, Domestic Violence Elimination Office, City Community Mental Health Office, and Queens District Attorney’s Office, working in conjunction with the NYPD.
Residents expressed their concerns about the unfavorable conditions in the area. Mayor Adams highlighted a resident’s sentiment that their children refused to walk in the neighborhood due to the situation. Adams stressed the need to ensure the eradication of human trafficking in the region, not just through enforcement but by ensuring the problem is truly eliminated.
Interim NYPD Commissioner Donlon stated that the focus for the next three months would be on addressing prostitution as a significant issue in the area. The police would also tackle retail theft, illegal sale of stolen items, remove unlicensed vendors and illegal vehicles to enhance public safety and improve quality of life.
Council Member Moya mentioned the establishment of a “Roosevelt Avenue Special Task Force” to address issues related to illegal massage parlors, unlicensed street vendors, and unsanitary conditions on Roosevelt Avenue. Additionally, he plans to introduce two bills targeting illegal massage parlors for regulation and periodic inspections similar to restaurants in collaboration with the Health Department.
Assistant Commissioner Daughtry emphasized the ongoing effort to restore order on Roosevelt Avenue by combatting prostitution, illegal massage parlors, and other threats to community safety. The operation, slated to last for 90 days, will focus primarily on Roosevelt Avenue from 74th Street to 111th Street.
Daughtry stressed the responsibility to ensure Roosevelt Avenue becomes a safe place for families to live and work without fear of crime. The operation will prioritize combating human trafficking by rescuing and supporting victims in close collaboration with social service agencies like the Department of Homeless Services (DHS).
Regarding efforts to crack down on hidden prostitution activities, Daughtry mentioned monitoring through the 311 reporting system, encouraging reports of illegal activities, gathering useful information from residents, and establishing a network of informants to identify illegal massage parlors.
Daughtry warned that the actual number of illegal massage parlors and brothels in the community could be shocking once the operation concludes and the data is disclosed to New Yorkers.
Various community leaders and advocates, including Martha Flores-Vazquez from the Community Family Crisis Prevention Center in Flushing, attended the press conference, showing support for the initiative to restore order and safety in the area.