18th Street gang
The 18th Street gang is a Latino street gang, originally from downtown Los Angeles, which began in the 1960s.
History
The Eighteenth Street gang has its origins in the Clanton Street Gang. Clanton had several generations already in Los Angeles and Mexican immigrants wanted to join Clanton. Clanton, however, denied membership to non-English speakers. Thus, out of Clanton's rejects, Eighteenth Street was born. It has since grown to be one of California's largest street gangs, with membership in the thousands. While the majority of the gang's activity takes place in Los Angeles, the gang is active throughout many countries around the world.
Spreads Throughout the USA and Mexico
Members of the gang frequently tattoo "18" or "XV3" on their bodies, sometimes all over their body. It has spread throughout the Southwest US and parts of Mexico and El Salvador. The gang is divided into six sides. The North, East, South, West, Central, and the South Central side. Each side has its own cliques or mini gangs.
Criminal Activities
The gang is reportedly involved in many forms of organized crime. It has been linked to 154 murders from 1985 to 1995 in Los Angeles alone. Eighteenth Street has had its share of casualties from retaliations by many gangs in the L.A. area. The main rivals of 18th Street are Florencia 13, Mara Salvatrucha, Clanton, White Fence, Echo Park, Pacoima, San Fer, Rebels13, Playboys' Mid City Stoners, Rockwood, Longo13 Drifters, and many more gangs in Los Angeles, including other Hispanic gangs in Los Angeles, and other Sureño gangs.