Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is facing criticism from residents and business owners in her Queens district for prioritizing gender identification policies over addressing rising crime and quality-of-life concerns along a heavily impacted stretch of Roosevelt Avenue, as reported by The New York Post.
The backlash centers on Ocasio-Cortez’s July newsletter to constituents, which included guidance on how to update gender markers on passports to include the “X” option for individuals who do not identify as male or female.
The newsletter made no mention of the persistent public safety concerns in parts of the congresswoman’s district, including areas known for sex trafficking, gang activity, and illegal vendors.
Rosa Sanchez, leader of the Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition, called for immediate action from Ocasio-Cortez.
“We are more focused on the bigger issues,” Sanchez said.
“We need our congresswoman’s help to stop crime, drugs, gangs, sex trafficking. I would love for her to address these issues.”
Sanchez emphasized that the community supports LGBTQ residents and diversity but said that public safety needs to be treated as a priority.
“Public safety is the big issue along Roosevelt Avenue. We need her help.”
While the congresswoman’s newsletter did not mention Roosevelt Avenue, it did include information on how constituents can request a gender marker of “M,” “F,” or “X” on their passport, citing a federal court’s decision allowing the State Department to process such requests.
“Due to a U.S. District Court’s decision last month, the State Department is honoring requests to update the gender marker on passport applications for the time being,” the newsletter stated. AOC included links and directions for residents to apply.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order requiring Americans to list their biological sex at birth on official documents, but that order is currently blocked pending a final court ruling.
State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar responded to the controversy by stating, “AOC wants to be a national figure, not a local congressperson,” adding that her focus on transgender identity policy is “an example of ultra-liberalism.”
Roosevelt Avenue, dubbed “The Market of Sweethearts,” has been plagued by crime for over a year. Law enforcement has attempted to control the area, but gang-linked illegal vendors and prostitution remain prevalent, with stolen goods frequently being sold in plain view.
In June, federal authorities charged a gang of illegal migrants with operating an extortion and drug ring along Roosevelt Avenue. The network reportedly financed operations linked to criminal organizations in El Salvador.
While residents called for more direct action on these issues, AOC’s newsletter instead spotlighted other local developments.
Under the “In Our Community” section, the newsletter noted that Ocasio-Cortez joined Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) in celebrating Vaughn College’s entry into the FAA’s Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program, intended to increase the pipeline of air traffic controllers in the New York region.
The newsletter also stated that AOC’s office helped a constituent recover $35,131 in back pay for Social Security Disability Insurance.
A spokesperson for Ocasio-Cortez did not address concerns about Roosevelt Avenue, instead highlighting the congresswoman’s role in supporting aviation safety.
“I’m glad you caught the newsletter and saw the congresswoman’s announcement about helping Vaughn get admitted into an FAA program that will pump out more air traffic controllers and make flying safer for all Americans,” the spokesperson said.
Last month, AOC stated she continues to engage with constituents about conditions along Roosevelt Avenue and mentioned attending a meeting concerning the spread of illegal vendors near Corona Plaza.
