Residents of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s (AOC) congressional district have raised concerns about a growing prostitution crisis, accusing the congresswoman of being absent on the issue. Neighborhoods in parts of the Bronx and Queens have reportedly been overrun by illegal sex work, causing frustration among locals who say they feel neglected by their representative.
According to multiple reports, prostitution has become increasingly visible in certain areas, with residents describing a rise in street-level activity that has left them feeling unsafe. Locals are pointing to a lack of action from Ocasio-Cortez, saying they have seen little effort to address the issue from the congresswoman or her office.
One resident described the situation as a “red-light district” in their community, highlighting the frequency of sex workers in public spaces. “It’s out of control,” the resident said, explaining that many in the neighborhood no longer feel comfortable walking the streets at night. Business owners have also voiced concerns, claiming that the visible prostitution problem is affecting their livelihoods.
Critics argue that Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the progressive “Squad” in Congress, has been more focused on national and global issues rather than addressing urgent problems within her own district. “We need our representative to show up here and take action. We feel abandoned,” one local stated.
Ocasio-Cortez has not yet publicly responded to the criticism regarding her involvement, or lack thereof, in addressing the concerns over prostitution. Some supporters have defended her, pointing out that managing local issues like law enforcement often falls under the jurisdiction of city officials rather than federal lawmakers.
Nevertheless, the growing frustration in her district reflects a broader concern among residents who feel that local problems are being overshadowed by larger political agendas. As pressure mounts, many in the community are calling for more immediate solutions, demanding increased police presence and stricter enforcement of laws surrounding sex work.
The situation has added to ongoing debates about crime, public safety, and the responsibilities of elected officials at all levels of government. Whether Ocasio-Cortez will take steps to directly address the issue remains to be seen, but for the residents affected, the call for action is becoming increasingly urgent.