Queens community leaders are calling on Mayor Zohran Mamdani to address escalating issues of prostitution and human trafficking along the Roosevelt Avenue corridor, a stretch of street known as the "Market of Sweethearts." Activists gathered in Jackson Heights on Saturday to express their frustration, stating that the problem has worsened since Mamdani took office in January.
Former state Sen. Hiram Monserrate, now a Democratic district leader, asserted that "the street activity is really off the charts." He contrasted the current situation with a previous initiative, Operation Restore Roosevelt, which involved law enforcement and quality-of-life efforts and saw state troopers deployed to the area. "Right now, they have abandoned Roosevelt Avenue, and the crime is all coming back," Monserrate stated.
Activists, including members of the group Restore Roosevelt Avenue, rallied outside known brothels, ringing bells and chanting slogans such as "Shut it down!" and "Stop Prostitution!" They urged Mamdani, who previously supported the decriminalization of prostitution, and Gov. Kathy Hochul to enforce existing laws and target landlords who allegedly rent to individuals involved in sex work.
"We are tired of seeing these activities happen," said Rosa Sanchez of Restore Roosevelt Avenue. "We have had enough, and it’s not appropriate. We have families and children. [The prostitutes] are out here, 24 hours around the clock. It has gotten worse, and we are asking that Mayor Mamdani, with Kathy Hochul … to come down these streets. We don’t want this in our community. And we’re not going to accept it."
Residents in the affected neighborhoods have also reported an increase in street activity over the past year. One woman described routinely witnessing sex workers engaging with clients in parked cars. The New York Post has previously reported on crime, drug dealing, and illegal vending along Roosevelt Avenue.
Representatives for Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The New York Police Department could not provide specific arrest data for the corridor when asked on Saturday.