Operation Restore Roosevelt
Rally Against Police Presence on Roosevelt Avenue
On Tuesday, a large group of sex workers, street vendors, and supporters from immigrant advocacy group Make the Road New York gathered at Corona Plaza to rally against the ongoing "Operation Restore Roosevelt" program, which has been shutting down alleged brothels and street vendors on Roosevelt Avenue, Queens. The rally aimed to denounce the operation as violent, racist, and harmful to immigrants and immigrants’ communities.
Speaking Out Against Criminalization and Displacement
Sex workers of color and those who identify as transgender made up a large portion of the rally, telling reporters that they are among the community’s most vulnerable population who are not being trafficked, but instead are attempting to make a living through the oldest profession on the planet. They emphasized that sex work, though illegal, is a legitimate work that deserves respect, good healthcare, and investment in their communities, notcriminalization.
Displacement of Street Vendors
Speakers also denounced the flood of cops in Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and North Corona, charging the operation is also displacing street vendors who are just trying to feed their families. For instance, Eliana Jaramillo, a member of Make the Road New York, expressed her concerns about being a street vendor and facing discrimination, as well as the constant fear of being policed and fined for their livelihood.
Response from Police
NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell acknowledged the concerns of some food vendors but pointed out that the department has been working with vendors to ensure they are on a path towards getting a license. He emphasized that there must be a process for people to get a license and make a living.
Defiance and Resilience
Despite the police presence, sex workers and their supporters remain defiant and resilient, stating that they will always be on Roosevelt Avenue, no matter how hard the city tries to remove them. This was exemplified when disgraced former state Sen. Hiram Monserrate, now an Assembly candidate, was chased out of Corona Plaza by transgender sex workers and their supporters for attempting to criticize their trade, with chants of "More resources, not more raids!"
Conclusion
The ongoing "Operation Restore Roosevelt" has sparked a heated debate about the intersection of sex work, prostitution, and community development in Queens. While some residents celebrate the city’s efforts to shut down illegal activities, others argue that the operation is disproportionately Targeting and criminalizing vulnerable populations. As the city continues to navigate this complex issue, it is crucial to prioritize the needs of all stakeholders and work towards a more inclusive and equitable approach.
FAQs:
Q: What is "Operation Restore Roosevelt"?
A: "Operation Restore Roosevelt" is a city-led initiative to shut down alleged brothels and street vendors on Roosevelt Avenue, Queens.
Q: Why is it being criticized?
A: Critics argue that the operation is violent, racist, and harmful to immigrants and immigrants’ communities, particularly sex workers of color and transgender individuals who are not being trafficked but are attempting to make a living through sex work.
Q: How do authorities respond to these concerns?
A: NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell acknowledges the concerns of some food vendors but emphasizes the need for a process to get a license and make a living.
Q: How do sex workers and their supporters respond to the operation?
A: They remain defiant and resilient, stating that they will always be on Roosevelt Avenue and will continue to demand respect, good healthcare, and investment in their communities.
