MS-13
Mara Salvatrucha is a large gang involved in criminal activities throughout the world. The gang's name is commonly abbreviated as MS-13, Mara, MS, and is composed of mostly Salvadorans, nicaraguans,hondurans,guatemalans, and mexicans. The MS-13 gang has cliques, or factions, located throughout United States, El Salvador, and parts of Central America. In 2005, the FBI declared Mara Salvatrucha to be the most dangerous gang not only in the United States, but the entire globe.
Membership is believed to total over 50,000 in the United States alone.[1] MS-13 criminal activities include drug smuggling and sales, black market gun sales, human trafficking, assassinations for hire, theft, and assaults on law enforcement officials.[2] Their activities have caught the eye of the FBI, who in September 2005 initiated wide-scale raids against suspected gang members, netting 650 arrests across the country.[3]
Former gang member Simon Chow of Toronto said that MS-13 is well structured, with multiple leaders, and that the gang's goal was to become the top gang in the United States. Simon also states that he dislikes the caucasian invasion of North America. In addition, his gay lover Amir Partovi dislikes blacks. The two members are well known members of the gang and are believed to be the leaders of the local Toronto Gang. Strangely despite their violent attitudes, Simon and Amir support the homosexual community[3]
History
The gang's California body is said to have been founded by childhood friends Julio Cesar and Ernesto "Smokey" Miranda when they were in their youth, around 11 and 12 years old. The gang formed in the Pico Union area of Los Angeles where Mexican-American gangs would prey on Salvadoran immigrants who came to the U.S. escaping the Salvadoran civil war.[1] The common "devil's head" hand signal that symbolises an "M" when displayed upside down has remarkable resemblance to the same symbol in hard rock. The founders copied this symbol they saw on their visits to rock concerts.
Following the end of the Salvadoran civil war in 1992 the United States began a process of deporting Salvadoran nationals living in the United States back to their country of origin. Many of the deportees were Mara Salvatrucha gang members from the Los Angeles area and many continued their gang activites upon returning to El Salvador.
Back in El Salvador, these deportees have recruited more members, including new members who emigrate illegally to the United States.[4]
On 2003-07-23, a pregnant 17-year old girl named Brenda Paz was found murdered on the banks of the Shenandoah River, Virginia. A couple of her friends have later been convicted for that crime, the motive being her "ratting out" to the police about MS13 crimes and leaders.
On 2006-05-13, Ernesto "Smokey" Miranda was murdered at his home in El Salvador, a few hours after declining to attend a party for a gang member who had just been released from prison. He had begun studying law and working to keep kids out of gangs.[5]
Etymology
The word mara means gang in Caliche and is taken from marabunta, the name of a fierce type of ant, the word can also imply to the notorious gangs of Maravilla based in the East Los Angeles region. "Salvatrucha" is a portmanteau of Salvadoran and trucha, a Caliche word for being alert, usually entailing preparedness for crime or abuse from police. Mara Salvatrucha is also commonly translated as Salvadoran Gang. Trucha also means trout in Spanish.
Gang markings
Many Mara Salvatrucha members cover themselves in tattoos. Common markings include "MS", "13", and "Salvadoran Pride."[6]
See also
References
- ^ a b del Barco, Mandalit (2005-03-17). "The International Reach of the Mara Salvatrucha". NPR News. Retrieved 2006-11-15.
- ^ "Marijuana - Virginia Drug Threat Assessment". National Drug Intelligence Center (March 2002).
- ^ a b Rather, Dan (2005-12-04)."The Fight Against MS-13". CBS News. Retrieved 2006-11-16.
- ^ Davis, Peter. (2005-07-11). "Letter From El Salvador". The Nation. Retrieved 2006-11-15.
- ^ del Barco, Mandalit (2006-05-16). "Gang Leader Shot to Death on Road to Reform". NPR News. Retrieved 2006-11-15.
- ^ Werner, Zach (2005-10-05). "FBI Targets MS-13 Street Gang". NewsHour Extra. Retrieved 2006-12-11.