A significant criminal bust has taken down key members of a notorious migrant gang in Queens, an area represented by Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Grace Meng. The violent 18th Street gang, known for its brutal tactics, was accused of various crimes including beatings, stabbings, and extortion. The gang’s influence stretched across the Roosevelt Avenue area, notorious for crime and illegal activities.
Prosecutors revealed that seven out of the eight gang members were in the U.S. illegally. These individuals are linked to the 18th Street gang, a group that originated in Los Angeles and has since expanded across America and into Mexico and Central America. The gang’s operation in Queens involved fake documents, counterfeit money, drug dealing, and firearm trafficking.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized the terror inflicted by the gang on local communities. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. held a press conference regarding the arrests. The notorious crime strip has long been a hotspot for illegal activities, drawing criticism from various quarters.
Local residents have likened the area to a “Red Light district” due to rampant solicitation and the sale of stolen goods. A recent town hall by Ocasio-Cortez saw Fox News Digital documenting the presence of at least 30 women offering sex services on a single block. The gang’s indictment was unsealed on June 16, following concerns raised by local leaders about the gang’s activities.
The 18th Street gang filled the void left by other dismantled groups, such as Tren de Aragua, which was targeted by police operations earlier. The local community called for federal intervention to tackle the escalating gang violence. The gang’s markings have been spotted throughout the area, signifying their control.
The arrests indicate that the FBI responded to these community concerns. Charges against the gang members include racketeering and illegal possession of firearms. FBI Assistant Director Christopher Raia highlighted the gang’s violent actions aimed at maintaining control over Roosevelt Avenue.
Raia described the gang’s behavior as showing a “callous and cruel disregard” for community safety. The FBI’s actions are part of a broader commitment to dismantling violent transnational gangs. Notably, none of the arrested individuals were charged with involvement in prostitution.
Former state Senator Hiram Monserrate, who advocated for federal help, commended the crackdown. Monserrate acknowledged the ongoing issues of organized crime and human trafficking in the area. He expressed gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI for their efforts.
The 18th Street gang is organized into factions, with the “54 Tiny Locos” being implicated in this case. Prosecutors detailed several assaults demonstrating the gang’s violent hold over the area. Monserrate and other leaders have been vocal about the pervasive gang crime.
One incident in December 2021 involved gang members assaulting victims outside a bar, resulting in severe injuries. Another attack in January 2022 saw a victim stabbed in the lung, and others beaten with wooden planks. In June 2024, a victim was brutally attacked with a bike lock and a metal chair.
The gang’s actions have left a lasting impact on the community, contributing to an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Street vendors and locals continue to navigate the challenges posed by the gang’s activities. The area remains a focal point for law enforcement efforts to restore order.
Rep. Grace Meng praised law enforcement’s dedication to addressing gang violence. Despite the progress, the community recognizes that much work remains to ensure safety. Ocasio-Cortez’s office did not provide a comment regarding the situation.
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