As Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tours the country alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders, some back home in the Bronx and Queens feel abandoned. While she advocates for national issues like healthcare and income inequality, crime in her district is rising sharply—and so is frustration.

In Queens’ 110th Precinct, crimes like burglary and auto theft have jumped 105%. The 115th Precinct isn’t far behind with an 85% spike. Residents like Guadalupe Alvarez say AOC seems more focused on the national spotlight than local safety. “She walked out the back door instead of hearing us,” Alvarez said. “We’re invisible.”

City Council candidate Ramses Frias demanded action: “People are scared to walk outside. We need leadership that’s present.” Experts blame the crime wave on officer shortages and underfunded services, warning that political priorities must include local safety.

Hannah Meyers of the Manhattan Institute summed it up: “Fighting for change is noble, but if your own community doesn’t feel safe, you’ve lost your way.”

Lesson: Leadership starts at home. When elected officials overlook local needs for national attention, trust begins to erode—and so does safety.