Cypress Hills Residents Try to Overcome Fear of Crime and Deportation

BROOKLYN, NY

On a cold, windy March evening, Christopher Valdez closed his bodega on Crescent Street earlier than usual. “You just don’t know anymore,” he said, frowning. “Late at night, things have changed.” Valdez has lived in Cypress Hills for over two decades. He’s seen a decrease in police presence and an increase in fear.

Reports of intensified ICE raids in Brooklyn have left many immigrant families on edge. Cypress Hills is home to a mix of Hispanic, South Asian, and Black New Yorkers, according to City-Data.com.  The Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation says the neighborhood has residents with roots in Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago. It’s unclear if arrests have occurred, but the fear is real. Many residents now avoid going out alone or unnecessarily. Small businesses that rely on immigrant customers have noticed a sharp decline in foot traffic.

While many locals want more police on the streets, there’s also growing unease with the NYPD. “There’s a lot of tension,” said Jasmine Torres, who helps run after-school programs at the Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation. “People often fear and distrust the police, especially undocumented residents. They’re not calling the cops, no matter what happens.”

Brooklyn and Staten Island Congress Member Nicole Malliotakis recently suggested that deportations in New York City could rise, heightening the community’s anxiety. “People are fearing for their lives, scared to even leave their homes,” Valdez said, glancing toward the front of his bodega. “We’ve all heard about raids in nearby neighborhoods, and you start wondering if it’s coming here next.”

Beyond immigration enforcement, residents also worry about crime. According to the 75th Precinct, which covers Cypress Hills and East New York, there have been three reported rapes in 2025. Robbery and felony assault are slightly down, but the fear remains. “We might see fewer numbers,” said Torres, “but it doesn’t always reflect how unsafe people feel.”

At a barbershop on Fulton Street in Cypress Hills, one of the lead barbers, Ricky Chandler, commented, “Back in the day, we had issues, yes, but people always looked out for each other,” he said as he trimmed a young boy’s hair. “Now, everyone’s nervous to even talk. I can feel the tension, even when I am just grabbing a slice of pizza or catching the train. People don’t feel safe in their own neighborhood, especially when it gets dark. I tell all my younger clients, get home early. It’s not worth being out late.”

Still, there are efforts to push back against fear and build resilience. Torres and other community organizers are creating safe spaces for young people. The Tsai family, owners of the Brooklyn Nets and The New York Liberty, through their Social Justice Fund, helped pay for the renovation of a basketball court at Breukelen Ballfield in nearby East New York. It has become a weekend hub for teenagers and families. Its bold new design, inspired by the Liberty, has transformed it into a symbol of hope and togetherness.

“We need more spaces like this,” Torres emphasized. “When kids have somewhere to go and something to do, they stay out of trouble. It’s that simple.”

Despite the challenges, Cypress Hills continues to show resilience. Residents and local leaders are actively working to protect and uplift their community. They have organized after-school programs, neighborhood clean-ups and other small efforts to make a difference.

Still neighbors worry that there are enough resources being directed to Cypress Hills.  NYPD officers reassigned to subway patrols and immigration enforcement ramping up makes some worry that local policing is stretched too thin. 

“We can’t just wait for things to change,” said Torres. “That’s how disaster happens. It has to start with us, mentoring kids, pushing for fair policing, or just looking out for each other.”

For Valdez, the solution isn’t simple, but he’s not giving up. “I’ve been here too long,” he said. “Cypress Hills is my neighborhood. I won’t ever give up on it. This beautiful neighborhood has heart. We just need to make sure it stays strong.”