Key Points – Residents in Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s (AOC) Bronx and Queens district report a significant increase in crime, including prostitution and gang activity, leading to declining living standards and fear.
-NYC Council candidate Ramses Frias and local resident Guadalupe Alvarez recently voiced these concerns, criticizing AOC for perceived inaction and detachment from community issues.
-This comes amid reports of a 70% surge in major crimes in her district since 2019.
-While a Member of Congress does not directly control local policing, critics argue AOC is not leveraging her federal influence enough to address the situation, which is also impacted by broader NYC progressive policies and migrant crisis costs.
AOC District Plagued By Prostitution, Gangs, Residents Say
Progressive Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is facing increasing criticism from residents as her district succumbs to worsening crime, declining living standards, and reports of gang activity and prostitution on the streets.
During a discussion on Fox & Friends Weekend on Sunday, May 18, New York City Council candidate Ramses Frias and Elmhurst resident Guadalupe Alvarez offered an insight into the crisis on AOC’s streets.
Commenting on reports of women being afraid to walk on the street after 5pm, Frias said that the reports are “not hysteria,” but “reality.”
“The numbers are showing what exactly is happening. We have crime happening every single day here, from violent crime, prostitution, illegal street vending, you name it, it’s happening here,” Frias said. “It’s a safe haven for criminal activity.”
When local resident Guadalupe Alvarez was asked how she and her friends respond to AOC’s frequent trips on private jets with Senator Bernie Sanders in what many have called the beginning of a presidential run, she said:
“Well, to us, that’s hysteria. Her last campaign ad on Instagram spoke about being a cynic and not giving in to the cynicism, when she is in fact a cynic.”
“The community voted her in, and she has done nothing for the community. If you see what she’s done since she’s been a congresswoman, it’s been nothing. She has not even shown up to her areas of representation, and it’s unfortunate that we have to suffer the consequences.”
Alvarez even claimed that the situation has gotten so bad in her district that friends will not visit her home over fears of traveling to that part of the city.
Whopping 70% Crime Surge
The comments come as reports reveal a shocking 70% increase in major crime in Ocasio-Cortez’s Bronx and Queens district since she took office.
Major crimes, which consist of murder, robbery, rape, burglary, and felony assault, have plagued the region, with the 115th Precinct, seeing a rise of 85% or more. In the other four precincts AOC represents, major crime has increased higher than the citywide average.
So, is it her fault? Yes and no.
As a member of Congress, Ocasio-Cortez has the authority to introduce or support federal legislation that might help her district, including advocating or opposing bills that affect criminal justice policies at a national level. Additionally, the congresswoman may use the appropriations process or support grant applications to direct money towards programs, including mental health or youth services, that may assist in the reduction of crime.
However, the congresswoman does not have the direct authority to make major and more impactful moves like enforcing laws, prosecuting crimes, overseeing local the police departments, or firing and hiring police officers.
What locals are arguing, however, is that AOC is not doing enough with the power she does have to make the streets safer. This might include advocating for a more robust application of the law, or even advocating for increasing funding for police services in New York City.
These decisions, however, ultimately lie with the New York City Mayor and the city council – two levels of authority that are struggling to provide the kind of services New York City residents expect because of a combination of far-left progressive policies and the burden of being forced to spend huge sums of money on illegal aliens residing in the city. NYC data reveals that New York City has been forced to spend $1.47 billion in fiscal year 2023, $3.75 billion in 2024, and $2 billion in 2025 on accommodating illegal aliens.
If AOC wants to regain the support of her voters, and make her community safer, she may be wise to consider this problem – and advocate for solutions on a national level.
For a politician who once advocated defunding the police, however, that seems unlikely.
About the Author:
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
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