Complete Guide to the MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha Central American Gang

Complete Guide to the MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha Central American Gang

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2017

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9781370205554

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This is an authoritative compilation of ten major documents and reports dealing with the MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha Central American gang and related criminal enterprises, including updated information on gang activity across America. Each report is professionally converted for accurate flowing-text ebook format reproduction.Contents: Mara Salvatrucha Street Gang: An International Criminal Enterprise with Roots in El Salvador's Civil War * How is MS-13 a Threat to U.S. National Security? * Going Global on Gangs: New Partnership Targets MS-13 * The MS-13 and 18th Street Gangs: Emerging Transnational Gang Threats? * Gangs in Central America * Los Zetas and MS-13: Nontraditional Alliances * Escalating Violence in El Salvador * The Likelihood of Collaboration Between Central American Transnational Gangs and Terrorist Organizations * Defining Mara Salvatrucha's Texas Network * Central America and Mexico Gang AssessmentRising crime is threatening democratic development and slowing economic growth across Central America and Mexico. Gang activity has transcended the borders of Central America, Mexico, and the United States and evolved into a transnational concern that demands a coordinated, multi-national response to effectively combat increasingly sophisticated criminal gang networks. Whereas gang activity used to be territorially confined to local neighborhoods, globalization, sophisticated communications technologies, and travel patterns have facilitated the expansion of gang activity across neighborhoods, cities, and countries. The monikers of notorious gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and the 18th Street gang (Barrio 18) now appear in communities throughout the United States, Central America, and Mexico. Members of these international gangs move fluidly in and out of these neighboring countries. The U.S. Congress has recognized that some gangs in Latin America and the United States are international criminal organizations whose criminal activities in the Americas have damaging effects on national security by increasing domestic crime levels and facilitating drug trafficking.The federal response to the MS-13 and M-18 gang problem has largely involved the enforcement of criminal and immigration laws, including the deportation of alien gang members. More recently, federal efforts have focused on prosecuting gang members under the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. Deported alien gang members have established MS-13 and M-18 gang cliques in their home countries, and some experts suggest that U.S. deportation policies have effectively transported U.S.-styled gang culture to parts of Central America and Mexico. Moreover, evidence shows that deported alien MS-13 and M-18 gang members have established a "revolving door" migratory pattern of repeat illegal reentry into the United States, raising concerns that these "migratory" alien gang members may become involved in narco-trafficking, smuggling, and other criminal activities along the U.S.-Mexico border.


Book Synopsis Complete Guide to the MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha Central American Gang by :

Download or read book Complete Guide to the MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha Central American Gang written by and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is an authoritative compilation of ten major documents and reports dealing with the MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha Central American gang and related criminal enterprises, including updated information on gang activity across America. Each report is professionally converted for accurate flowing-text ebook format reproduction.Contents: Mara Salvatrucha Street Gang: An International Criminal Enterprise with Roots in El Salvador's Civil War * How is MS-13 a Threat to U.S. National Security? * Going Global on Gangs: New Partnership Targets MS-13 * The MS-13 and 18th Street Gangs: Emerging Transnational Gang Threats? * Gangs in Central America * Los Zetas and MS-13: Nontraditional Alliances * Escalating Violence in El Salvador * The Likelihood of Collaboration Between Central American Transnational Gangs and Terrorist Organizations * Defining Mara Salvatrucha's Texas Network * Central America and Mexico Gang AssessmentRising crime is threatening democratic development and slowing economic growth across Central America and Mexico. Gang activity has transcended the borders of Central America, Mexico, and the United States and evolved into a transnational concern that demands a coordinated, multi-national response to effectively combat increasingly sophisticated criminal gang networks. Whereas gang activity used to be territorially confined to local neighborhoods, globalization, sophisticated communications technologies, and travel patterns have facilitated the expansion of gang activity across neighborhoods, cities, and countries. The monikers of notorious gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and the 18th Street gang (Barrio 18) now appear in communities throughout the United States, Central America, and Mexico. Members of these international gangs move fluidly in and out of these neighboring countries. The U.S. Congress has recognized that some gangs in Latin America and the United States are international criminal organizations whose criminal activities in the Americas have damaging effects on national security by increasing domestic crime levels and facilitating drug trafficking.The federal response to the MS-13 and M-18 gang problem has largely involved the enforcement of criminal and immigration laws, including the deportation of alien gang members. More recently, federal efforts have focused on prosecuting gang members under the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. Deported alien gang members have established MS-13 and M-18 gang cliques in their home countries, and some experts suggest that U.S. deportation policies have effectively transported U.S.-styled gang culture to parts of Central America and Mexico. Moreover, evidence shows that deported alien MS-13 and M-18 gang members have established a "revolving door" migratory pattern of repeat illegal reentry into the United States, raising concerns that these "migratory" alien gang members may become involved in narco-trafficking, smuggling, and other criminal activities along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Complete Guide to the MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha Central American Gang

Complete Guide to the MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha Central American Gang

Author: United States. Government

Publisher:

Published: 2017-04-23

Total Pages: 365

ISBN-13: 9781521134184

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This is an authoritative compilation of ten major documents and reports dealing with the MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha Central American gang and related criminal enterprises, including updated information on gang activity across America. Contents: Mara Salvatrucha Street Gang: An International Criminal Enterprise with Roots in El Salvador's Civil War * How is MS-13 a Threat to U.S. National Security? * Going Global on Gangs: New Partnership Targets MS-13 * The MS-13 and 18th Street Gangs: Emerging Transnational Gang Threats? * Gangs in Central America * Los Zetas and MS-13: Nontraditional Alliances * Escalating Violence in El Salvador * The Likelihood of Collaboration Between Central American Transnational Gangs and Terrorist Organizations * Defining Mara Salvatrucha's Texas Network * Central America and Mexico Gang Assessment Rising crime is threatening democratic development and slowing economic growth across Central America and Mexico. Gang activity has transcended the borders of Central America, Mexico, and the United States and evolved into a transnational concern that demands a coordinated, multi-national response to effectively combat increasingly sophisticated criminal gang networks. Whereas gang activity used to be territorially confined to local neighborhoods, globalization, sophisticated communications technologies, and travel patterns have facilitated the expansion of gang activity across neighborhoods, cities, and countries. The monikers of notorious gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and the 18th Street gang (Barrio 18) now appear in communities throughout the United States, Central America, and Mexico. Members of these international gangs move fluidly in and out of these neighboring countries. The U.S. Congress has recognized that some gangs in Latin America and the United States are international criminal organizations whose criminal activities in the Americas have damaging effects on national security by increasing domestic crime levels and facilitating drug trafficking. The federal response to the MS-13 and M-18 gang problem has largely involved the enforcement of criminal and immigration laws, including the deportation of alien gang members. More recently, federal efforts have focused on prosecuting gang members under the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. Deported alien gang members have established MS-13 and M-18 gang cliques in their home countries, and some experts suggest that U.S. deportation policies have effectively transported U.S.-styled gang culture to parts of Central America and Mexico. Moreover, evidence shows that deported alien MS-13 and M-18 gang members have established a "revolving door" migratory pattern of repeat illegal reentry into the United States, raising concerns that these "migratory" alien gang members may become involved in narco-trafficking, smuggling, and other criminal activities along the U.S.-Mexico border.


Book Synopsis Complete Guide to the MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha Central American Gang by : United States. Government

Download or read book Complete Guide to the MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha Central American Gang written by United States. Government and published by . This book was released on 2017-04-23 with total page 365 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is an authoritative compilation of ten major documents and reports dealing with the MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha Central American gang and related criminal enterprises, including updated information on gang activity across America. Contents: Mara Salvatrucha Street Gang: An International Criminal Enterprise with Roots in El Salvador's Civil War * How is MS-13 a Threat to U.S. National Security? * Going Global on Gangs: New Partnership Targets MS-13 * The MS-13 and 18th Street Gangs: Emerging Transnational Gang Threats? * Gangs in Central America * Los Zetas and MS-13: Nontraditional Alliances * Escalating Violence in El Salvador * The Likelihood of Collaboration Between Central American Transnational Gangs and Terrorist Organizations * Defining Mara Salvatrucha's Texas Network * Central America and Mexico Gang Assessment Rising crime is threatening democratic development and slowing economic growth across Central America and Mexico. Gang activity has transcended the borders of Central America, Mexico, and the United States and evolved into a transnational concern that demands a coordinated, multi-national response to effectively combat increasingly sophisticated criminal gang networks. Whereas gang activity used to be territorially confined to local neighborhoods, globalization, sophisticated communications technologies, and travel patterns have facilitated the expansion of gang activity across neighborhoods, cities, and countries. The monikers of notorious gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and the 18th Street gang (Barrio 18) now appear in communities throughout the United States, Central America, and Mexico. Members of these international gangs move fluidly in and out of these neighboring countries. The U.S. Congress has recognized that some gangs in Latin America and the United States are international criminal organizations whose criminal activities in the Americas have damaging effects on national security by increasing domestic crime levels and facilitating drug trafficking. The federal response to the MS-13 and M-18 gang problem has largely involved the enforcement of criminal and immigration laws, including the deportation of alien gang members. More recently, federal efforts have focused on prosecuting gang members under the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. Deported alien gang members have established MS-13 and M-18 gang cliques in their home countries, and some experts suggest that U.S. deportation policies have effectively transported U.S.-styled gang culture to parts of Central America and Mexico. Moreover, evidence shows that deported alien MS-13 and M-18 gang members have established a "revolving door" migratory pattern of repeat illegal reentry into the United States, raising concerns that these "migratory" alien gang members may become involved in narco-trafficking, smuggling, and other criminal activities along the U.S.-Mexico border.

MS-13

MS-13

Author: Steven Dudley

Publisher: Harlequin

Published: 2020-09-08

Total Pages: 373

ISBN-13: 1488095345

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

“One of the year’s most important books, a gripping meticulously reported account of the rise of one of the world’s most notorious street gangs.” —Mitch Weiss, Pulitzer Prize winner Winner of the Lukas Prize An NPR Best Book of the Year The MS-13 was born from war. In the 1980s, Alex and his brother fled El Salvador for the US and formed the Mara Salvatrucha Stoners. Initially bound by a love of heavy metal music, the group soon took on a harder edge, selling drugs, stealing cars and killing rivals. Gang members like Alex were incarcerated and deported. But in the prison system, the group only grew stronger. Today, MS-13 is one of the most infamous street gangs on earth—and also largely misunderstood. Longtime organized crime investigator Steven Dudley brings readers inside the nefarious group to tell a broader story of flawed US and Central American policies and the exploitative, unequal systems that shape them. “A remarkable feat of reporting; the ways in which the United States is complicit in the creation and preservation of MS-13 might well keep you awake deep into the night, as it did me.” —Rachel Louise Snyder, author of No Visible Bruises “By detailing the experiences of gang members and victims alike, he anatomizes the complex, fluid dynamics of this elusive transnational network. A startling book.” —Patrick Radden Keefe, New York Times–bestselling author of Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks “The definitive account of MS-13 . . . An outstanding book for true crime readers.” —Library Journal (starred review)


Book Synopsis MS-13 by : Steven Dudley

Download or read book MS-13 written by Steven Dudley and published by Harlequin. This book was released on 2020-09-08 with total page 373 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “One of the year’s most important books, a gripping meticulously reported account of the rise of one of the world’s most notorious street gangs.” —Mitch Weiss, Pulitzer Prize winner Winner of the Lukas Prize An NPR Best Book of the Year The MS-13 was born from war. In the 1980s, Alex and his brother fled El Salvador for the US and formed the Mara Salvatrucha Stoners. Initially bound by a love of heavy metal music, the group soon took on a harder edge, selling drugs, stealing cars and killing rivals. Gang members like Alex were incarcerated and deported. But in the prison system, the group only grew stronger. Today, MS-13 is one of the most infamous street gangs on earth—and also largely misunderstood. Longtime organized crime investigator Steven Dudley brings readers inside the nefarious group to tell a broader story of flawed US and Central American policies and the exploitative, unequal systems that shape them. “A remarkable feat of reporting; the ways in which the United States is complicit in the creation and preservation of MS-13 might well keep you awake deep into the night, as it did me.” —Rachel Louise Snyder, author of No Visible Bruises “By detailing the experiences of gang members and victims alike, he anatomizes the complex, fluid dynamics of this elusive transnational network. A startling book.” —Patrick Radden Keefe, New York Times–bestselling author of Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks “The definitive account of MS-13 . . . An outstanding book for true crime readers.” —Library Journal (starred review)

This Is for the Mara Salvatrucha

This Is for the Mara Salvatrucha

Author: Samuel Logan

Publisher: Hachette Books

Published: 2009-07-07

Total Pages: 308

ISBN-13: 1401394485

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Like any American teenager, Brenda Paz spent much of her time with her friends. They would go to parties, listen to music, and show off their cars late into the night. But Brenda and her friends belonged to the Mara Salvatrucha--the MS-13--the most violent gang in America, and in addition to enjoying the things that all teenagers do, her friends were thieves, drug dealers, human traffickers, and murderers. A street gang that began in Los Angeles in the 1980s, the Mara Salvatrucha has spread across the United States and Central America with startling speed, boasting tens of thousands of members. They deal ruthlessly with competing gangs and any members who display disloyalty, often leaving a trail of dismembered corpses in their wake. They are poised to surpass the Mafia as the country's most organized criminal network. And by operating within the insular Central American immigrant communities, the Mara Salvatrucha has been able to easily elude law enforcement. All that changed when Brenda Paz turned informant for the FBI, exposing the incredible scope of the gang's operations. But Brenda's cooperation with the FBI was only the beginning. What followed is an extraordinary story of strength, intelligence, and incredible courage. This Is for the Mara Salvatrucha takes us into a dark and violent world that few people have seen, but is closer than you think.


Book Synopsis This Is for the Mara Salvatrucha by : Samuel Logan

Download or read book This Is for the Mara Salvatrucha written by Samuel Logan and published by Hachette Books. This book was released on 2009-07-07 with total page 308 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Like any American teenager, Brenda Paz spent much of her time with her friends. They would go to parties, listen to music, and show off their cars late into the night. But Brenda and her friends belonged to the Mara Salvatrucha--the MS-13--the most violent gang in America, and in addition to enjoying the things that all teenagers do, her friends were thieves, drug dealers, human traffickers, and murderers. A street gang that began in Los Angeles in the 1980s, the Mara Salvatrucha has spread across the United States and Central America with startling speed, boasting tens of thousands of members. They deal ruthlessly with competing gangs and any members who display disloyalty, often leaving a trail of dismembered corpses in their wake. They are poised to surpass the Mafia as the country's most organized criminal network. And by operating within the insular Central American immigrant communities, the Mara Salvatrucha has been able to easily elude law enforcement. All that changed when Brenda Paz turned informant for the FBI, exposing the incredible scope of the gang's operations. But Brenda's cooperation with the FBI was only the beginning. What followed is an extraordinary story of strength, intelligence, and incredible courage. This Is for the Mara Salvatrucha takes us into a dark and violent world that few people have seen, but is closer than you think.

Gangs and Crime in America

Gangs and Crime in America

Author: U. S. Government

Publisher:

Published: 2017-04-22

Total Pages: 106

ISBN-13: 9781521126691

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The first report deals with the potential threat to American national security from transnational street gangs, with the most widely recognized and publicized of these gangs is Mara Salvatrucha (aka MS-13). Street gangs have been a regional problem in the United States for a long time. The Department of Justice estimates there are "approximately 30,000 gangs, with over 800,000 members, impacting 2,500 communities" in the US. Innocent people have been exposed to violence from these gangs for decades, but today's gangs seem more violent and organized than ever. Some even seem to be growing and evolving into transnational threats. These evolving groups are known as Transnational Street Gangs because of their ability to operate across national borders. Spreading throughout the United States, they are assimilating smaller gangs and bringing a culture of violence and destruction everywhere they go. Known for brutality, these groups are already threatening the stability of several countries in Central America. MS-13 first appeared on the streets of Los Angeles in the early 1980s. Started by a group of El Salvadoran refugees, the gang has spread to 42 states and grown to become one of the most violent gangs in America. One of the fastest growing gangs in the US, MS-13 has also spread to six countries in Central America and Canada. Although specific numbers vary, sources estimate there are between 10,000 and 20,000 MS-13 members in the United States and up to 250,000 in Central America. This paper will look at the international threat from MS-13 by examining the gang's history and identifying the characteristics that make MS-13 an international problem. The paper will then identify immediate and developing areas of concern and recommend how the US should mitigate the resulting threats. The second report deals with the issue of unaccompanied alien children (UAC). After several years of increases, the number apprehended at the Southwest border by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) peaked at 68,541 in FY2014. Some Members of Congress as well as the Obama Administration have characterized the issue as a humanitarian crisis. The reasons why they migrate to the United States are often multifaceted and difficult to measure analytically. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has analyzed several out-migration-related factors, such as violent crime rates, economic conditions, rates of poverty, and the presence of transnational gangs. CRS also has analyzed in-migration-related factors, such as the search for economic opportunity, the desire to reunite with family members, and U.S. immigration policies.


Book Synopsis Gangs and Crime in America by : U. S. Government

Download or read book Gangs and Crime in America written by U. S. Government and published by . This book was released on 2017-04-22 with total page 106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first report deals with the potential threat to American national security from transnational street gangs, with the most widely recognized and publicized of these gangs is Mara Salvatrucha (aka MS-13). Street gangs have been a regional problem in the United States for a long time. The Department of Justice estimates there are "approximately 30,000 gangs, with over 800,000 members, impacting 2,500 communities" in the US. Innocent people have been exposed to violence from these gangs for decades, but today's gangs seem more violent and organized than ever. Some even seem to be growing and evolving into transnational threats. These evolving groups are known as Transnational Street Gangs because of their ability to operate across national borders. Spreading throughout the United States, they are assimilating smaller gangs and bringing a culture of violence and destruction everywhere they go. Known for brutality, these groups are already threatening the stability of several countries in Central America. MS-13 first appeared on the streets of Los Angeles in the early 1980s. Started by a group of El Salvadoran refugees, the gang has spread to 42 states and grown to become one of the most violent gangs in America. One of the fastest growing gangs in the US, MS-13 has also spread to six countries in Central America and Canada. Although specific numbers vary, sources estimate there are between 10,000 and 20,000 MS-13 members in the United States and up to 250,000 in Central America. This paper will look at the international threat from MS-13 by examining the gang's history and identifying the characteristics that make MS-13 an international problem. The paper will then identify immediate and developing areas of concern and recommend how the US should mitigate the resulting threats. The second report deals with the issue of unaccompanied alien children (UAC). After several years of increases, the number apprehended at the Southwest border by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) peaked at 68,541 in FY2014. Some Members of Congress as well as the Obama Administration have characterized the issue as a humanitarian crisis. The reasons why they migrate to the United States are often multifaceted and difficult to measure analytically. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has analyzed several out-migration-related factors, such as violent crime rates, economic conditions, rates of poverty, and the presence of transnational gangs. CRS also has analyzed in-migration-related factors, such as the search for economic opportunity, the desire to reunite with family members, and U.S. immigration policies.

Gangs and Crime in America

Gangs and Crime in America

Author: U. S. Government

Publisher:

Published: 2017-04-22

Total Pages: 92

ISBN-13: 9781521131312

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This study examines the criminal networks used to penetrate Texas by the Mara Salvatrucha (MS 13) street gang. MS 13's internal reach is analyzed by examining the existing and potential horizontal integration of the known cliques (gang cells). Additionally, the organizations' existing reach and potential transnational reach are analyzed by examining the existing and potential vertical integration between its domestic and Central American components. The identification of MS 13's criminal networks is completed by using a first-generation manual approach lens. This approach involves examining data to uncover associations between criminals, resulting in the creation of an association matrix that links MS-13 with affiliates. The research shows that MS 13 is a significant threat to public security in the state of Texas for two main reasons: proximity to cartels and demographics of the state. Research shows that criminal networks are already at work and that MS 13 should be taken seriously in Texas. The risk to Texas stems from the similarities, in terms of demographics and proximity to transnational cartels, to Los Angeles, California, where MS 13 originated. I. DEFINING MARA SALVATRUCHA'S (MS 13) TEXAS CRIMINAL NETWORK * A. MAJOR RESEARCH QUESTION * B. SIGNIFICANCE OF DEFINING THE MS 13 NETWORK IN TEXAS * C. LITERATURE REVIEW * II. A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE * A. 1872-1932 * B. 1932-1969 * C. 1969-1992 * D. CONCLUSION * III. ESTABLISHMENT AND EXPANSION OF THE MARA SALVATRUCHA NETWORK * A. ESTABLISHMENT AND GROWTH IN LOS ANGELES * B. CENTRAL AMERICA * C. WASHINGTON, DC, REGION * D. CONCLUSION * IV. TEXAS * A. HORIZONTAL INTEGRATION OF MS 13'S NETWORK * B. VERTICAL INTEGRATION OF MS 13'S NETWORK * C. RELEVANCE OF INTERSTATE CORRIDORS * V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS * A. CONCLUSIONS * 1. MS 13 Presence in Texas Will Likely Grow Substantially in the Next Five Years * 2. Texas Will Not Defeat MS 13 with Law Enforcement and Anti-immigration Policy * 3. Stopping the Zetas Does Not Equate to Stopping MS 13 * B. RECOMMENDATIONS * 1. Keep the Big Picture in Sight * 2. Use Best Practices in Dealing with MS 13 * 3. Ask the Media to Help Limit Gang Exposure This study seeks to define the networks used by MS 13 by analyzing known associations used by MS 13 to penetrate Texas. The research question, significance, and relevant literature are addressed in the first chapter. The second chapter focuses on the historical background of El Salvador; it links the origins of the violent gang known today as MS 13 to a violent past dating to 1932. The third chapter discusses the establishment and expansion of the MS13 network through the lens of U.S. policy, media, and demographics. This chapter introduces MS 13 strongholds in L.A., Central America, and DC. The first three chapters set the background for the fourth, which covers MS 13 networks in Texas. The fourth chapter addresses what known horizontal and vertical networks can tell us about the current networks utilized by MS 13 to further penetrate the state of Texas. The final chapter presents the conclusion and recommendations of best practices utilized elsewhere for employment in Texas.


Book Synopsis Gangs and Crime in America by : U. S. Government

Download or read book Gangs and Crime in America written by U. S. Government and published by . This book was released on 2017-04-22 with total page 92 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study examines the criminal networks used to penetrate Texas by the Mara Salvatrucha (MS 13) street gang. MS 13's internal reach is analyzed by examining the existing and potential horizontal integration of the known cliques (gang cells). Additionally, the organizations' existing reach and potential transnational reach are analyzed by examining the existing and potential vertical integration between its domestic and Central American components. The identification of MS 13's criminal networks is completed by using a first-generation manual approach lens. This approach involves examining data to uncover associations between criminals, resulting in the creation of an association matrix that links MS-13 with affiliates. The research shows that MS 13 is a significant threat to public security in the state of Texas for two main reasons: proximity to cartels and demographics of the state. Research shows that criminal networks are already at work and that MS 13 should be taken seriously in Texas. The risk to Texas stems from the similarities, in terms of demographics and proximity to transnational cartels, to Los Angeles, California, where MS 13 originated. I. DEFINING MARA SALVATRUCHA'S (MS 13) TEXAS CRIMINAL NETWORK * A. MAJOR RESEARCH QUESTION * B. SIGNIFICANCE OF DEFINING THE MS 13 NETWORK IN TEXAS * C. LITERATURE REVIEW * II. A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE * A. 1872-1932 * B. 1932-1969 * C. 1969-1992 * D. CONCLUSION * III. ESTABLISHMENT AND EXPANSION OF THE MARA SALVATRUCHA NETWORK * A. ESTABLISHMENT AND GROWTH IN LOS ANGELES * B. CENTRAL AMERICA * C. WASHINGTON, DC, REGION * D. CONCLUSION * IV. TEXAS * A. HORIZONTAL INTEGRATION OF MS 13'S NETWORK * B. VERTICAL INTEGRATION OF MS 13'S NETWORK * C. RELEVANCE OF INTERSTATE CORRIDORS * V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS * A. CONCLUSIONS * 1. MS 13 Presence in Texas Will Likely Grow Substantially in the Next Five Years * 2. Texas Will Not Defeat MS 13 with Law Enforcement and Anti-immigration Policy * 3. Stopping the Zetas Does Not Equate to Stopping MS 13 * B. RECOMMENDATIONS * 1. Keep the Big Picture in Sight * 2. Use Best Practices in Dealing with MS 13 * 3. Ask the Media to Help Limit Gang Exposure This study seeks to define the networks used by MS 13 by analyzing known associations used by MS 13 to penetrate Texas. The research question, significance, and relevant literature are addressed in the first chapter. The second chapter focuses on the historical background of El Salvador; it links the origins of the violent gang known today as MS 13 to a violent past dating to 1932. The third chapter discusses the establishment and expansion of the MS13 network through the lens of U.S. policy, media, and demographics. This chapter introduces MS 13 strongholds in L.A., Central America, and DC. The first three chapters set the background for the fourth, which covers MS 13 networks in Texas. The fourth chapter addresses what known horizontal and vertical networks can tell us about the current networks utilized by MS 13 to further penetrate the state of Texas. The final chapter presents the conclusion and recommendations of best practices utilized elsewhere for employment in Texas.

MS-13 in the United States and Federal Law Enforcement Efforts

MS-13 in the United States and Federal Law Enforcement Efforts

Author: Congressional Research Service

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2018-09-06

Total Pages: 24

ISBN-13: 9781727034578

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) is a violent criminal gang operating both in the United States and abroad-namely Central America. MS-13 was formed on the streets of Los Angeles, CA, in the 1980s by refugees who were fleeing civil conflict in El Salvador. It became a transnational gang as MS-13 members who were deported from the United States to Central America helped establish gang ties and spread U.S. gang culture abroad. In the United States, MS-13's structure largely consists of loosely organized cells, or "cliques," that each control specific territory. While some have suggested that the size of MS-13 has grown in the United States, since at least 2005 law enforcement officials have consistently cited its membership to be around 10,000. Domestically, MS-13 has been involved in local crimes including extortion, drug distribution, prostitution, robbery, and murder, as well as transnational illicit activity such as drug trafficking and human smuggling and trafficking. The gang is known for its particularly violent criminality, which has been demonstrated in a reported uptick in violent homicides attributed to MS-13 in certain locales. Countering gang crime has often been the purview of state and local law enforcement. However, given that gang activity is not constrained by jurisdictional boundaries, and that local law enforcement agencies may not have the capacity to investigate complex gang crimes, federal law enforcement has had a long-standing interest in countering gangs, including MS-13. One element in determining the appropriate federal policy responses to tackle threats posed by MS-13 may be to have a clear conceptualization of the gang. Researchers and criminal justice system authorities have primarily described MS-13 as a criminal gang or a transnational criminal organization (TCO)-concepts that have some overlap in structure, motivation, and criminality. Whether MS-13 demonstrates elements that are uniquely gang or TCO may help inform the federal policy response to its illegal activities. Another challenge in countering the danger posed by MS-13 is understanding the scope of the threat. Key questions focus on the validity of existing estimates and whether the gang is growing in number or in territory. Thus, policymakers may question how officials define and determine gang membership. While there is no centralized database to track gang membership, a number of agencies maintain datasets that contain gang-related information. Policymakers may also question how this information is shared and utilized. Oversight bodies such as the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) have recommended means by which federal law enforcement could enhance its enforcement efforts against violent criminal gangs such as MS-13, and policymakers may take interest in whether some of these recommendations are still relevant. There is also a current debate about the relationship between gangs such as MS-13 and unaccompanied alien children (UAC) arriving in the United States. Some have suggested that MS-13's presence in Central America could continue to drive unauthorized migration into the United States by those seeking to escape the gang and its violence. There are also concerns that MS-13 may exploit the U.S. Southwest border by bringing young gang members from Central America to the United States as UAC or may recruit some of the vulnerable UAC to join the gang's ranks once in the United States. Policymakers may seek more data from officials in order to understand the nuances of these potential relationships between MS-13 and UAC.


Book Synopsis MS-13 in the United States and Federal Law Enforcement Efforts by : Congressional Research Service

Download or read book MS-13 in the United States and Federal Law Enforcement Efforts written by Congressional Research Service and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2018-09-06 with total page 24 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) is a violent criminal gang operating both in the United States and abroad-namely Central America. MS-13 was formed on the streets of Los Angeles, CA, in the 1980s by refugees who were fleeing civil conflict in El Salvador. It became a transnational gang as MS-13 members who were deported from the United States to Central America helped establish gang ties and spread U.S. gang culture abroad. In the United States, MS-13's structure largely consists of loosely organized cells, or "cliques," that each control specific territory. While some have suggested that the size of MS-13 has grown in the United States, since at least 2005 law enforcement officials have consistently cited its membership to be around 10,000. Domestically, MS-13 has been involved in local crimes including extortion, drug distribution, prostitution, robbery, and murder, as well as transnational illicit activity such as drug trafficking and human smuggling and trafficking. The gang is known for its particularly violent criminality, which has been demonstrated in a reported uptick in violent homicides attributed to MS-13 in certain locales. Countering gang crime has often been the purview of state and local law enforcement. However, given that gang activity is not constrained by jurisdictional boundaries, and that local law enforcement agencies may not have the capacity to investigate complex gang crimes, federal law enforcement has had a long-standing interest in countering gangs, including MS-13. One element in determining the appropriate federal policy responses to tackle threats posed by MS-13 may be to have a clear conceptualization of the gang. Researchers and criminal justice system authorities have primarily described MS-13 as a criminal gang or a transnational criminal organization (TCO)-concepts that have some overlap in structure, motivation, and criminality. Whether MS-13 demonstrates elements that are uniquely gang or TCO may help inform the federal policy response to its illegal activities. Another challenge in countering the danger posed by MS-13 is understanding the scope of the threat. Key questions focus on the validity of existing estimates and whether the gang is growing in number or in territory. Thus, policymakers may question how officials define and determine gang membership. While there is no centralized database to track gang membership, a number of agencies maintain datasets that contain gang-related information. Policymakers may also question how this information is shared and utilized. Oversight bodies such as the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) have recommended means by which federal law enforcement could enhance its enforcement efforts against violent criminal gangs such as MS-13, and policymakers may take interest in whether some of these recommendations are still relevant. There is also a current debate about the relationship between gangs such as MS-13 and unaccompanied alien children (UAC) arriving in the United States. Some have suggested that MS-13's presence in Central America could continue to drive unauthorized migration into the United States by those seeking to escape the gang and its violence. There are also concerns that MS-13 may exploit the U.S. Southwest border by bringing young gang members from Central America to the United States as UAC or may recruit some of the vulnerable UAC to join the gang's ranks once in the United States. Policymakers may seek more data from officials in order to understand the nuances of these potential relationships between MS-13 and UAC.

A Year Inside MS-13

A Year Inside MS-13

Author: Juan José Martínez d´Aubuisson

Publisher: OR Books

Published: 2019-08-06

Total Pages: 128

ISBN-13: 1682192008

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This short, intense book exposes life inside the largest, most violent gang in the world, Mara Salvatrucha 13, more commonly known as MS-13. Right in the heart of El Salvador’s capital San Salvador, anthropologist Juan José Martínez d´Aubuisson observes firsthand an escalating cycle of brutality between MS-13 and its sworn enemies from Barrio 18 as it becomes a war fought on a professional scale with grenades and machine guns. For the better part of a year, d´Aubuisson was embedded in one of the cells of MS-13, where he learned its moral codes, rules, legends, and contradictions. His journey into the heart of the gang is guided by an enigmatic character, Destino, a veteran leader of MS-13. After many conversations with Destino, a strange kind of friendship emerges between the two, and the anthropologist understands not only the origin of the gang and its war with Barrio 18 but the deep-seated reasons for the regional violence. The book culminates in one of the most violent acts ever in an area that has seen more than its share: a full-scale attack on a public bus with thirty-two passengers on board. Fourteen people were killed and twenty-eight wounded. Almost all the principal characters in this book end up dying: some are killed in the war, while others fall to the state security forces. Those that do escape the war are imprisoned, exiled or murdered by their own gang. This is a true testimony of life inside a wild gang, in a neighborhood governed by abandoned boys. Juan José Martínez d´Aubuisson is a Salvadoran socio-cultural anthropologist committed to understanding violence in Central America. His uncle was one of Latin America’s most notoriously brutal military officers during the 1980s.


Book Synopsis A Year Inside MS-13 by : Juan José Martínez d´Aubuisson

Download or read book A Year Inside MS-13 written by Juan José Martínez d´Aubuisson and published by OR Books. This book was released on 2019-08-06 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This short, intense book exposes life inside the largest, most violent gang in the world, Mara Salvatrucha 13, more commonly known as MS-13. Right in the heart of El Salvador’s capital San Salvador, anthropologist Juan José Martínez d´Aubuisson observes firsthand an escalating cycle of brutality between MS-13 and its sworn enemies from Barrio 18 as it becomes a war fought on a professional scale with grenades and machine guns. For the better part of a year, d´Aubuisson was embedded in one of the cells of MS-13, where he learned its moral codes, rules, legends, and contradictions. His journey into the heart of the gang is guided by an enigmatic character, Destino, a veteran leader of MS-13. After many conversations with Destino, a strange kind of friendship emerges between the two, and the anthropologist understands not only the origin of the gang and its war with Barrio 18 but the deep-seated reasons for the regional violence. The book culminates in one of the most violent acts ever in an area that has seen more than its share: a full-scale attack on a public bus with thirty-two passengers on board. Fourteen people were killed and twenty-eight wounded. Almost all the principal characters in this book end up dying: some are killed in the war, while others fall to the state security forces. Those that do escape the war are imprisoned, exiled or murdered by their own gang. This is a true testimony of life inside a wild gang, in a neighborhood governed by abandoned boys. Juan José Martínez d´Aubuisson is a Salvadoran socio-cultural anthropologist committed to understanding violence in Central America. His uncle was one of Latin America’s most notoriously brutal military officers during the 1980s.

Gangs in Central America

Gangs in Central America

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 18

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The 110th Congress has maintained a keen interest in the effects of crime and gang violence in Central America and its spillover effects on the United States. Since February 2005, more than 2,000 alleged members of the violent Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang have been arrested in cities across the United States. These arrests have raised concerns about the transnational activities of Central American gangs, and governments throughout the region are struggling to find the right combination of suppressive and preventive policies to deal with them. Some analysts assert that increasing U.S. deportations of individuals with criminal records to Central American countries may be contributing to the gang problem. Several U.S. agencies have been actively engaged on both the law enforcement and preventive side of dealing with Central American gangs. An inter-agency committee worked together to develop a U.S. Strategy to Combat Criminal Gangs from Central America and Mexico, which was announced at a July 2007 U.S.-Central American Integration System (SICA) summit on security issues. The strategy, which is now being implemented, states that the U.S. government will pursue coordinated anti-gang activities through five broad areas: diplomacy, repatriation, law enforcement, capacity enhancement, and prevention. During the first session of the 110th Congress, several Members introduced immigration legislation H.R. 1645 (Gutierrez), S. 330 (Isakson), and S. 1348 (Reid) that included provisions to increase cooperation among the United States, Mexico, and Central America in the tracking of gang activity and in the handling of deported gang members. However, none of those bills were enacted. On October 2, 2007, the House passed H. Res. 564 (Engel) supporting expanded cooperation between the United States and Central America to combat crime and violence.


Book Synopsis Gangs in Central America by :

Download or read book Gangs in Central America written by and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 18 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 110th Congress has maintained a keen interest in the effects of crime and gang violence in Central America and its spillover effects on the United States. Since February 2005, more than 2,000 alleged members of the violent Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang have been arrested in cities across the United States. These arrests have raised concerns about the transnational activities of Central American gangs, and governments throughout the region are struggling to find the right combination of suppressive and preventive policies to deal with them. Some analysts assert that increasing U.S. deportations of individuals with criminal records to Central American countries may be contributing to the gang problem. Several U.S. agencies have been actively engaged on both the law enforcement and preventive side of dealing with Central American gangs. An inter-agency committee worked together to develop a U.S. Strategy to Combat Criminal Gangs from Central America and Mexico, which was announced at a July 2007 U.S.-Central American Integration System (SICA) summit on security issues. The strategy, which is now being implemented, states that the U.S. government will pursue coordinated anti-gang activities through five broad areas: diplomacy, repatriation, law enforcement, capacity enhancement, and prevention. During the first session of the 110th Congress, several Members introduced immigration legislation H.R. 1645 (Gutierrez), S. 330 (Isakson), and S. 1348 (Reid) that included provisions to increase cooperation among the United States, Mexico, and Central America in the tracking of gang activity and in the handling of deported gang members. However, none of those bills were enacted. On October 2, 2007, the House passed H. Res. 564 (Engel) supporting expanded cooperation between the United States and Central America to combat crime and violence.

Gangs and Crime in America

Gangs and Crime in America

Author: U. S. Government

Publisher:

Published: 2017-04-22

Total Pages: 93

ISBN-13: 9781521127216

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Contents include: CRS Issue Statement on Organized Crime and Gangs in the U.S. * Combating Gangs: Federal Agencies Have Implemented a Central American Gang Strategy, but Could Strengthen Oversight and Measurement of Efforts * Los Zetas and MS-13: Nontraditional Alliances.In recent years, there has been an increase in violence directed at Americans and American economic interests from other organized criminal elements--many with transnational connections--such as drug trafficking organizations, gangs, and criminal syndicates. Drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) are a domestic criminal threat and a significant concern to federal, state, and local law enforcement. Mexican DTOs smuggle and distribute 90% of all illegal drugs entering the United States. They have become increasingly violent as they compete to extend their influence in U.S. drug markets. DTOs have used their vast resources to expand southward into Central and South America and northward into the United States, where they have reportedly penetrated at least 195 U.S. cities. There have been reports that Mexican and Asian DTOs continue to develop and strengthen their working relationships with many street gangs and prison gangs, some of which have extensive transnational relationships and are engaged in numerous cross-border smuggling operations of drugs, illegal aliens, and firearms, and numerous other crimes, including human trafficking. There continues to be interest in the increase of violence at or near the border with Mexico, along with the numerous criminal activities ranging from drug and contraband smuggling to human trafficking. A number of street and prison gangs work closely with Mexican DTOs and drug cartels, including the Surenos 13, 18th Street, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), the Mexican Mafia in California, the Texas Mexican Mafia (Mexikanemi), Hermanos de Pistoleros Latinos, and the Texas Syndicate in the south Texas area. A number of regional and national gangs, including Asian gangs, are also reported to have transnational connections and be criminally active along the U.S.-Canada border. Growing gang involvement in smuggling operations has long been a concern as a potential domestic security threat.


Book Synopsis Gangs and Crime in America by : U. S. Government

Download or read book Gangs and Crime in America written by U. S. Government and published by . This book was released on 2017-04-22 with total page 93 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Contents include: CRS Issue Statement on Organized Crime and Gangs in the U.S. * Combating Gangs: Federal Agencies Have Implemented a Central American Gang Strategy, but Could Strengthen Oversight and Measurement of Efforts * Los Zetas and MS-13: Nontraditional Alliances.In recent years, there has been an increase in violence directed at Americans and American economic interests from other organized criminal elements--many with transnational connections--such as drug trafficking organizations, gangs, and criminal syndicates. Drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) are a domestic criminal threat and a significant concern to federal, state, and local law enforcement. Mexican DTOs smuggle and distribute 90% of all illegal drugs entering the United States. They have become increasingly violent as they compete to extend their influence in U.S. drug markets. DTOs have used their vast resources to expand southward into Central and South America and northward into the United States, where they have reportedly penetrated at least 195 U.S. cities. There have been reports that Mexican and Asian DTOs continue to develop and strengthen their working relationships with many street gangs and prison gangs, some of which have extensive transnational relationships and are engaged in numerous cross-border smuggling operations of drugs, illegal aliens, and firearms, and numerous other crimes, including human trafficking. There continues to be interest in the increase of violence at or near the border with Mexico, along with the numerous criminal activities ranging from drug and contraband smuggling to human trafficking. A number of street and prison gangs work closely with Mexican DTOs and drug cartels, including the Surenos 13, 18th Street, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), the Mexican Mafia in California, the Texas Mexican Mafia (Mexikanemi), Hermanos de Pistoleros Latinos, and the Texas Syndicate in the south Texas area. A number of regional and national gangs, including Asian gangs, are also reported to have transnational connections and be criminally active along the U.S.-Canada border. Growing gang involvement in smuggling operations has long been a concern as a potential domestic security threat.