An area in Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s district in Queens, New York, has been described as resembling a Third World country, with desperate migrants filling the sidewalks selling used clothes and other goods. The neighborhoods of Corona, Jackson Heights, and Elmhurst, once a thriving community, have deteriorated into a large flea market with trash overflowing on street corners, leading to unsanitary conditions. Additionally, the area has gained a notorious reputation for prostitution, with sex workers openly soliciting sex from passersby, including teenagers.
Residents of the neighborhood have expressed their concerns about the deteriorating conditions. Ramses Frías, a local resident, shared a video showcasing the crowded streets filled with vendors selling clothes, sneakers, and various other items. Frías described the situation as a “third-world market” where items are stolen from donation bins or stores, and the vendors do not pay taxes, taking away trade from legitimate businesses. He also noted that crime has been steadily increasing in the area, as illegal street vendors have taken over the streets.
The video was taken on the edge of Ocasio-Cortez’s 14th Congressional District, which is predominantly represented by progressive politicians. However, Ocasio-Cortez’s office did not respond to inquiries for comment on the situation. The neighborhood has a diverse population, including migrants, some of whom are in the U.S. illegally and forced to work on the streets due to a lack of permits.
In addition to the street vendors, the neighborhood has become a well-known location for prostitution. Sex workers openly flaunt their bodies on the streets at all times of the day, according to Frías. In January, the NYPD raided six establishments engaged in prostitution, but no arrests were made. Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels, criticized the lack of action by the authorities, noting that the area has become a red-light district for migrants, with mostly Asian sex workers and Hispanic clients.
Frías, a former Democrat, has become so outraged by the conditions that he is running for the Assembly District 39 seat as a Republican. He aims to address the deteriorating situation and bring radical change to the neighborhood. Frías has been endorsed by Sliwa and believes that a Republican approach is needed to reclaim the streets.
While some local elected officials, including Congresswoman Grace Meng and Assembly members Catalina Cruz, Steve Raga, Jessica González-Rojas, and Council Member Shekar Krishnan, have been meeting with city and state agencies to find solutions, Frías asserts that a more proactive approach is necessary. He calls for stricter enforcement of laws and regulations to improve the quality of life in the neighborhood.
The situation in Ocasio-Cortez’s district highlights the challenges faced by communities with a high concentration of migrants and the need for effective governance to combat illegal activities and maintain safe living conditions. As the campaign season unfolds, Frías’ candidacy and efforts to address these issues will be closely watched.
