Gangs are responsible for an average of 48 percent of violent crime in most jurisdictions, and up to 90 percent in others, according to the 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment. Perhaps one of the most notorious street gangs in the western hemisphere is The Mara Salvatrucha also known as MS 13. “Mara” is Salvadorian for “Group”, although there is debate over the origin and meaning, it is commonly known to mean “street smart. MS 13 was formed on the streets of Los Angeles in the 1980’s by immigrants. “Mara Salvatrucha Stoners” is what MS 13 was originally called, they emphasized on partying, friendship and protecting one another from other gangs in L.A. This initial motto was later influenced by violence that grew on the streets of L.A, which affected community, crimes, and the youth. …show more content…
Former guerilla fighters, poured into the states during this time, they brought along their machetes and their cavalier attitude toward life and death. The gang’s influence and reputation for violence grew on the streets of Los Angeles and expanded to other cities. MS 13 make money through extortion, human trafficking, drug trafficking and weapon trafficking. Although all members are tasked with constant recruiting, there are on average about 15,000 members. There main locations is in El Salvador , Mexico, Honduras, Guatemela and at least 42 U.S States , as well as Spain, Nicaragua and other Latin American