In a coordinated operation late Wednesday night, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) executed a raid on a brothel located on Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens. The illicit business is alleged to forcibly employ illegal immigrant women brought to the United States by human traffickers. They are forced to work off their debt—sometimes as high as $50,000—through prostitution at the 24-hour establishment.
The NYPD vice squad, along with members from the 110th Precinct, arrested both illegal immigrant prostitutes and customers in the so-called “Market of Sweethearts.”
The operation follows multiple reports detailing the rampant prostitution, drug dealing, and sale of stolen goods along Roosevelt Avenue. These activities have been taking place openly, significantly affecting local businesses. Mirella Gutierrez, co-owner of a nearby pharmacy, acknowledged the raid as a positive move but expressed ongoing concerns about the persistent illegal trade. “This is a step forward, but the issue of prostitution and other crimes continues to plague our neighborhood,” she remarked.
Since 2022, over 200,000 migrants have arrived in New York City from the U.S. border, with around 65,000 still residing in city-funded shelters and tent facilities. This influx is worsening the complex socio-economic challenges faced by neighborhoods like Jackson Heights.
The National Pulse reported in June on NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell saying migrant crime in the city is “tremendous.”
