Organized Crime: MS-13 (8/24/24)

Beyond The Horizon

MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, is a violent and notorious street gang that originated in Los Angeles in the early 1980s. Founded by Salvadoran immigrants who fled the civil war in El Salvador, the gang initially formed to protect its members from other gangs. Over time, MS-13 expanded its criminal activities to include drug trafficking, extortion, and human trafficking. The gang is known for its brutal violence, including the use of machetes, and its distinctive tattoos.
MS-13 operates as a decentralized network of "cliques," with each clique controlling its own territory and criminal enterprises. The gang has a significant presence in both the United States and Central America, particularly in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. Deportation of gang members from the U.S. to Central America has contributed to the gang's growth and influence in the region.
MS-13's criminal activities have made it a top target for law enforcement, both in the U.S. and internationally. Despite numerous efforts to dismantle the gang, its decentralized structure and ability to adapt to changing circumstances have made it difficult to eradicate completely. The gang continues to be a major source of violence and crime, impacting communities in both North and Central America.
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