Rosa Sanchez, a spokesperson for the coalition, said, “Our kids shouldn’t have to see women being forced to sell their bodies.” Residents say they have to change their daily routines to avoid dangerous blocks, which shows how much the problem has affected life in the neighborhood.

AOC has asked for money for nonprofits that deal with trafficking, but people in her district say her response isn’t enough compared to Rep. Grace Meng, who has been pushing for federal money and better cooperation with the NYPD. The difference has led to more criticism of AOC’s priorities.

Law enforcement has its limits: nuisance abatement laws shut down brothels for a short time, but they quickly move to new locations. Residents want action against traffickers, not women who are being exploited, with trafficking victims at the center of the issue.

The crisis is still a political and social flashpoint