Federal police have apprehended eight members of the “54 Tiny Locos” faction of the infamous 18th Street gang in connection with a crime spree that terrorized Roosevelt Avenue in Queens, which is part of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s (D-NY) district.
For context, seven members were illegal immigrants, and charges include assault, stabbing, drug trafficking, and extortion. While authorities such as FBI Director Christopher Raia and the Queens district attorney congratulated law enforcement on the bust, AOC’s office did not issue a comment.
Such was shown when Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz issued a statement on the major crime bust. She explained how “The defendants in this case are accused of unleashing terror onto Queens communities through brutal assaults, extortion, fraud, and drug trafficking—all in furtherance of the 18th Street gang’s agenda.”
Issuing a confident promise to New Yorkers, she added, “Every resident deserves to feel safe walking down the street, without having to worry about gang violence. My office will continue to combat violent criminal enterprises and assist partner investigations to dismantle gangs as they try to establish themselves in our neighborhoods.
Providing vital context, Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney, said that these arrests were part of a broader operation that will keep the streets safe. He stated, “This indictment represents a significant step in our ongoing effort to dismantle violent gang networks in our communities. The 18th Street gang exploited a Queens neighborhood as a hub for violence and illicit activity,” adding, “Today’s arrests show the community that my Office and our law enforcement partners are working tirelessly to put these violent criminals behind bars.”
Describing the crimes tied to these violent illegal aliens, Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge at the local FBI office, said, “These violent members and associates of the 18th Street gang allegedly relied on violence—including assault of innocent civilians and rival gang members—to exert and maintain control over a busy commercial corridor along Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens.”
Adding more context, he declared, “Those arrested today acted and behaved with callous and cruel disregard for those around them. Our actions today represent yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to crushing the violent transnational gangs plaguing our communities.”
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Former Democrat state Senator Hiram Monserrate, who was part of the group calling for federal intervention, was thrilled with the arrest. He said, “As our Restore Roosevelt Avenue coalition stated months ago, what was and is still happening on Roosevelt Avenue is international organized crime involving human trafficking, shoplifting syndicates, and the distribution of narcotics.”
Reacting to the dramatic arrest, Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) offered a full-throated endorsement. She declared, “As I’ve continued to say, public safety must always be a top priority in our communities and dangerous criminals who commit violent crimes must be held accountable,” adding, “This includes ANYBODY responsible for these types of heinous activity.”