Since her election to Congress in 2019, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has risen to national prominence, leveraging her platform to advocate for progressive policies and amplify her voice on issues of economic inequality and social justice. However, her Bronx and Queens district has experienced a sharp rise in crime over the same period, leaving many constituents feeling neglected and increasingly frustrated. According to reports, major crimes—ranging from murder and robbery to felony assault and grand larceny—have surged by nearly 70 percent across her district. The 110th Precinct in Queens, which encompasses parts of the Roosevelt Avenue corridor, known locally for human trafficking and prostitution activity, recorded a staggering 105 percent increase, marking the highest spike in New York City. Similarly, the 115th Precinct in her district saw an 85 percent increase in major crimes, leaving residents questioning whether their elected representative is effectively addressing safety concerns while pursuing national political ambitions.

For constituents like Elmhurst resident Guadelupe Alvarez, the impact of rising crime is deeply personal. Once a supporter of Representative Ocasio-Cortez, Alvarez expressed disillusionment with her leadership, stating that the district has become increasingly unsafe, and that the representative has not been responsive to community concerns. Alvarez described how she attended a town hall meeting seeking answers about the deteriorating conditions, only to be directed to an assistant while the congresswoman quietly exited the venue. This perceived lack of engagement has left residents feeling marginalized and ignored, with many expressing a sense of hopelessness about raising families or maintaining personal safety in the neighborhood. Alvarez’s frustration highlights a broader concern: constituents fear that the representative’s focus on national advocacy has come at the expense of addressing the urgent, day-to-day needs of the community she was elected to serve.

Critics also point to Representative Ocasio-Cortez’s rhetoric on policing and criminal justice as a contributing factor to the rising crime rates. Statements advocating for police budget reductions and public discourse framing law enforcement as inherently biased have drawn criticism from public safety experts and local residents alike. Manhattan Institute Director of Policing and Public Safety Hannah Meyers emphasized that such rhetoric can influence recruitment and retention within police forces, ultimately affecting community safety. “Nobody wants to be a police officer when the role has been so vilified,” Meyers said. By prioritizing discussions of systemic inequality over practical crime prevention measures, critics argue, the representative risks alienating both law enforcement and community members who feel increasingly vulnerable to everyday threats such as robberies, assaults, and property crimes. The political debate surrounding defunding the police, while nationally salient, is viewed by many in her district as a direct challenge to public safety rather than a solution.

Local politicians and community organizations have amplified these concerns. Republican City Council candidate Ramses Frias criticized the representative for failing to address residents’ immediate safety needs, stating that constituents are “scared to go outside” and require proactive solutions. Similarly, National Police Association member Betsy Brantner Smith argued that the dissonance between Representative Ocasio-Cortez’s national messaging on fighting economic inequality and the lived reality of crime in her district undermines the very principles she claims to champion. Residents report an increase in the visible presence of drug dealers, theft, and other illicit activities, fostering an environment where fear dictates daily behavior. For many, the gap between advocacy and action has created the perception that leadership has become performative rather than practical, and that local needs are overshadowed by national ambitions and media appearances.

The escalation of crime has significant social and economic implications for the district. Beyond immediate safety concerns, rising violence affects property values, business investment, and the overall quality of life, leaving residents feeling trapped in neighborhoods that were once considered viable for families and long-term settlement. Alvarez’s story reflects a broader trend: families leaving the district or considering relocation due to fear of crime, and local businesses struggling to operate under heightened risk. While Representative Ocasio-Cortez has garnered national attention for her “Fight the Oligarchy” tour alongside Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and other high-profile initiatives, many argue that a disproportionate focus on national visibility neglects the pressing local issues that brought her to office. Critics contend that addressing community safety, reinforcing police presence, and implementing targeted social interventions should be paramount for a representative whose constituents are increasingly exposed to danger.

In conclusion, the rising crime rates in Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s district underscore the tension between national prominence and local accountability. Residents’ frustrations highlight the urgent need for practical, community-focused solutions to ensure safety and restore confidence in leadership. While national advocacy and political positioning remain central to the representative’s strategy, constituents emphasize that visible engagement, responsive governance, and effective crime prevention are essential to preserving trust and security. As crime continues to escalate, the district faces a crossroads: either experience further decline in public confidence and quality of life or pressure political leadership to reconcile national messaging with actionable, tangible support for the communities they were elected to serve. The unfolding situation raises broader questions about how public figures balance ambition, ideological advocacy, and direct responsibility to the people who elected them, and whether constituents’ voices can meaningfully shape policy priorities in the midst of escalating urban challenges.