Roosevelt Avenue Faces Rising Threats From Global Networks

In Queens, New York, Roosevelt Avenue has become the center of a growing battle between local residents and international criminal organizations. Once a lively hub for immigrant communities, the neighborhood has been overtaken by gangs such as the 18th Street Gang, Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, and Chinese syndicates.

These groups control brothels, sell fake documents, and traffic drugs, creating an atmosphere of fear that disrupts daily life for families and children.

The NYPD has responded with targeted initiatives, including “Operation Restore Roosevelt,” which deployed hundreds of additional officers. These efforts have led to noticeable decreases in crime.

Federal agencies have also intervened, bringing arrests and racketeering charges against gang members. Yet, authorities admit that dismantling these groups is difficult, as new members quickly replace those taken off the streets.

Community organizations have stepped up as well. The Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition has organized rallies, written to the FBI, and identified specific hotspots of illegal activity, urging for consistent federal involvement.

Residents warn that beyond the danger to public safety, the presence of organized crime undermines the neighborhood’s social and economic stability.

Political leaders have offered funding for victim services and expanded law enforcement resources. Still, advocates argue that only sustained federal action can break down these transnational networks. The struggle over Roosevelt Avenue has become a test case for how well U.S. institutions can confront global crime locally—and whether combined civic and government pressure can restore security to affected communities.