MS-13: The Brutal Empire of Chaos in America’s Streets and Prisons

As stated in my Aryan Brotherhood article, I worked as a prison guard in Texas, Minnesota, and Arizona medium-maximum male units. Gangs are rampant, some worse than others. More recent than my work history, President Donald Trump has often mentioned this gang during his speeches, such as this one.

This is another one of them.

MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, is one of the most notorious and violent street gangs in the world. Known for its brutal tactics and extensive criminal network, MS-13 has become a significant concern for law enforcement and communities across the United States. So my intention with this article is to provide a comprehensive look at the origins, current presence, operations, and threat level of MS-13 while doing a subtle comparison to the Aryan Brotherhood.

Origins and Evolution

Formation in Los Angeles

MS-13 originated in the 1980s in the Pico-Union neighborhood of Los Angeles. The gang was formed by Salvadoran immigrants who fled the civil war in their home country. Initially, it was created as a means of self-protection against other gangs in the area. The name "Mara Salvatrucha" combines "mara," a Central American term for gang, and "Salvatrucha," referring to Salvadorans.

Expansion in Central America

As U.S. law enforcement began cracking down on gang activity in the 1990s, many MS-13 members were deported to El Salvador. This deportation inadvertently facilitated the spread of the gang's influence back to Central America, where it established a strong foothold. The gang's activities and recruitment expanded into other countries, including Honduras and Guatemala, creating a transnational criminal organization.

Presence in the United States

Nationwide Reach

Today, MS-13 has an estimated 10,000 members in the United States and is active in at least 40 states. Key areas of activity include California, New York, Virginia, Maryland, and Texas. The gang's structure in the U.S. is less hierarchical than in Central America, but it maintains a network of cliques, or local chapters, that operate semi-independently.

Criminal Activities

Violent Crimes

MS-13 is notorious for its extreme violence. The gang is involved in a range of violent activities, including murders, assaults, and r@pes. Members often use machetes and firearms to carry out brutal attacks, both to intimidate rivals and to control their own members. Initiation rituals frequently involve acts of violence to prove loyalty.

Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking is a major component of MS-13's operations. The gang is involved in the distribution of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. They work with other criminal organizations, including Mexican drug cartels, to secure supply lines and manage distribution networks across the U.S.

Human Trafficking and Extortion

MS-13 also engages in human tr@fficking, smuggling migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border and exploiting them for labor or prostitution. Extortion is another significant revenue stream, with businesses and individuals in areas controlled by the gang being forced to pay "protection" money.

Threat to Society

Impact on Communities

The presence of MS-13 has a devastating impact on communities. Their violent tactics create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, disrupting local economies and social cohesion. Schools, neighborhoods, and businesses in gang-controlled areas often suffer from decreased property values, increased crime rates, and a general decline in quality of life.

Law Enforcement Challenges

Law enforcement agencies face significant challenges in combating MS-13. The gang's decentralized structure and its members' use of sophisticated methods to evade detection make it difficult to dismantle. Additionally, the gang's transnational connections complicate efforts to address their activities solely within U.S. borders.

Presence in Prisons

Gang Influence in Prisons

MS-13 maintains a strong presence in U.S. prisons. Incarcerated members often continue their gang activities behind bars, including coordinating criminal operations and recruiting new members. The gang's influence in prisons contributes to the overall violence and corruption within the correctional system.

Comparison with the Aryan Brotherhood

When comparing MS-13 to the Aryan Brotherhood, both gangs are highly dangerous and have a significant prison presence. However, their operations and methods differ. The Aryan Brotherhood, primarily composed of white supremacists, engages in organized crime, including drug trafficking and murder, within and outside prisons. MS-13, while equally violent, has a broader scope of activities, including more extensive involvement in human trafficking and extortion. Both gangs pose serious threats, but MS-13's larger membership and international connections make it particularly challenging to combat.

To summarize, MS-13 remains one of the most formidable criminal organizations in the United States, with a far-reaching impact on both society and the criminal justice system. Its origins in the streets of Los Angeles have evolved into a transnational menace, with operations spanning across the Americas. The gang's brutal tactics, extensive criminal enterprises, and ability to adapt to law enforcement pressures ensure that it will continue to be a significant threat. Combating MS-13 requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach, involving local, national, and international efforts to disrupt its activities and dismantle its networks.

Did you know that you can find detailed information on prison gangs at the DOJ Criminal Division?

What do YOU think?

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