Mara Salvatrucha
The Mara Salvatrucha (also known as “MS-13”) began in the 1980s. They are now known to be one of the most notorious gangs in the Americas but, like “Barrio 18,” the Mara Salvatrucha was created in Los Angeles, California by a group of Salvadorans.
During the 1980s the country of El Salvador went through a civil war between political authorities and “guerillas” (leftist groups rising against government). The war raged on for years, with over 70,000 people being killed throughout the country of El Salvador; this war drove many immigrants to the United States. From these immigrants fleeing their country at a time of destruction the terrorist group, Mara Salvatrucha, arose.
It was during the time period of this gangs creation that illegal immigration came to the forefront of politics. The Illegal Immigrant Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) of 1996 furthered the strength of the Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18, as immigrants began to be deported back to their country of origin.
They have a membership of 70,000 (other sites put their membership at 100,000) and take part in drug trafficking, drug sales, extortion, human smuggling, and kidnapping. In 2012 they were labeled a “transnational criminal organization” by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The driving force behind joining this terrorist group? Poverty. They charge “war tax” on any company within their area, this is a set amount paid monthly to maintain your company – like rent. However, if you don’t pay, you die.
Notice in the picture above that the military and police officers all have mask on. Nobody will take credit for the arrest of any members of the Mara Salvatrucha or Barrio 18 because those that do (and their family, and any person who happens to be in their household at the time) will be listed for execution by the gang(s).
Works Cited:
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL34112.pdf
http://www.pbs.org/itvs/enemiesofwar/elsalvador2.html
http://www.insightcrime.org/el-salvador-organized-crime-news/mara-salvatrucha-ms-13-profile
Central American Gangs, Barrio 18, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras