Empires of the Underworld: The Biggest Gangs in the US

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Navigating the Shadows: Exploring America’s Largest and Most Dangerous Gangs

The allure of the underground can be as intoxicating as it is dangerous. In the sprawling urban landscapes of America, gangs have not only survived; they have thrived, weaving their complex narratives into the fabric of society.

From the graffiti-tagged alleys of Los Angeles to the bustling streets of New York, these organizations command both fear and intrigue. We’re pulling back the curtain on the biggest gangs in the U.S., tracing their origins, exploring their rise to power, and examining the modern-day challenges they face.

Get ready to delve into the shadowy corners of the streets as we explore the notorious lives and times of America’s most formidable gangs.

1. MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha)

Mara Salvatrucha, better known as MS-13, began in the melting pot of Los Angeles in the 1980s, founded by Salvadoran immigrants in the city’s Pico-Union neighborhood. Originally, MS-13 formed as a means of protection against other more established gangs of the area, rapidly evolving from a small peer group to an organized network. As the Salvadoran civil war ended and immigration patterns shifted, MS-13 expanded, establishing branches across the United States and Central America.

MS-13 is infamous for its brutal use of violence—a hallmark that has not only defined its operations but also attracted the relentless focus of law enforcement. The gang engages in a variety of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and extortion. Their reputation for public and ruthless acts of violence has made headlines numerous times, contributing to a menacing public image that continues to stoke fear and fascination in equal measure.

Today, MS-13 is scattered across the United States with significant concentrations in places like Long Island, the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, and parts of California and Texas. Law enforcement agencies, both local and federal, have prioritized dismantling MS-13 networks, leading to numerous high-profile arrests and deportations. Despite these efforts, the gang remains resilient, adapting to pressures with changes in strategy and tactics that continue to challenge public safety efforts.

MS-13 - The Biggest Gangs in the US — MS-13 aka Mara Salvatrucha

2. The Crips

The Crips, one of America’s most formidable African-American street gangs, was founded in Los Angeles in 1969 by Raymond Washington and Stanley Williams. Originally formed as a small coalition to protect their neighborhood from surrounding gangs, the Crips quickly expanded in numbers and notoriety, largely due to their aggressive recruitment and reputation for violence. This gang set the precedent for what would become a deeply entrenched gang culture in many urban areas across the United States.

As they grew, the Crips became known for their distinctive blue attire, a stark contrast to the red of their archenemies, the Bloods. Their influence on street gang culture is undeniable, from the proliferation of gang signs to the normalization of gang-affiliated music and fashion. The Crips’ impact transcends their criminal activities, influencing various facets of urban culture and media, often romanticized and depicted in films and music.

The rivalry between the Crips and the Bloods is perhaps the most legendary in gang history, marked by decades of brutal violence that has spilled into the streets of numerous American cities. This feud has not only perpetuated a cycle of retaliatory violence but also instilled a persistent state of fear and tension in affected communities. Efforts to broker peace have been sporadic and often short-lived, as the deep-seated animosity between these gangs is difficult to extinguish.

The Crips - The Biggest Gangs in the US — The Crips

3. The Bloods

In response to the growing power of the Crips, the Bloods were founded in the early 1970s, originating from smaller gangs uniting to combat the Crip monopoly in Los Angeles. The coalition was initially formed for protection and to establish control over their neighborhoods. The name “Bloods” became a banner under which many could rally, becoming synonymous with resistance against Crip domination.

The Bloods are easily recognizable by their red-colored attire, a direct opposition to the Crips’ blue. This color symbolism extends to graffiti, bandanas, and tattoos, which are integral to their identity and serve as a call to unity among members. The use of hand signs, slang, and cultural markers continues to bolster their presence and influence within the communities they occupy.

Today, the Bloods face numerous internal and external challenges, from law enforcement crackdowns to ongoing conflicts with rival gangs. Despite their notorious reputation, there are elements within the gang that push for community upliftment and engage in social initiatives. These efforts are often overshadowed by the criminal activities that some factions of the gang continue to engage in, presenting a complex picture of conflict and contradiction.

The Bloods - The Biggest Gangs in the US — The Bloods

4. 18th Street Gang

The 18th Street Gang, also known as Barrio 18, is one of the most extensive transnational criminal organizations originating from Los Angeles in the 1960s. Unlike many other gangs that often have ethnic exclusivity, 18th Street boasts a diverse membership, welcoming individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. Initially formed by Mexican-American youths, the gang expanded to include other Latino nationalities, reflecting the multicultural nature of Los Angeles.

18th Street Gang’s operations extend beyond typical gang warfare; they are deeply involved in various forms of criminal activity including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and arms trafficking. Their influence stretches across the United States and Central America, with significant operations in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. This extensive network has not only amplified their power but also posed significant challenges to law enforcement agencies trying to curtail their activities.

The 18th Street Gang has been the target of numerous large-scale police and federal operations aimed at breaking up their extensive criminal network. These efforts have led to hundreds of arrests and significant seizures of narcotics and illegal firearms. Despite these crackdowns, the gang’s deep-rooted presence in both local communities and international settings makes them resilient to law enforcement efforts, often quickly adapting and reorganizing.

5. Latin Kings

The Latin Kings is one of the oldest and most organized Hispanic street gangs in the United States, founded in the 1940s in the streets of Chicago. The gang initially formed to protect Latino interests and assert their presence against other street gangs. Over the decades, the Latin Kings have evolved into a more structured and politically oriented group, with a complex system of governance including a manifesto and strict codes of conduct.

The Latin Kings have made a significant impact on gang culture, particularly in the areas of organizational structure and community influence. They have been involved in various social and political movements, attempting to shift public perception from a purely criminal entity to a cultural and community-focused organization. Their influence has extended into the arts, particularly music and graffiti, which serve as outlets for expression and communication within the gang and the broader community.

In recent years, there has been a movement within the Latin Kings towards moderation and community engagement. Some chapters have initiated community service projects and anti-violence programs, striving to redefine their identity and legacy within urban neighborhoods. However, the challenge remains as some factions continue to engage in criminal activities, maintaining the gang’s reputation within law enforcement circles as a significant criminal threat.

Latin Kings - The Biggest Gangs in the US — Latin Kings

6. Mongols Motorcycle Club

The Mongols Motorcycle Club was established in 1969 in Montebello, California, by Hispanic veterans who were allegedly turned away from the Hells Angels due to their ethnicity. This origin story sets the stage for a club that prides itself on brotherhood, loyalty, and a fierce independent streak that often brings them into direct conflict with other motorcycle clubs and law enforcement.

The Mongols are famed not just for their criminal activities, which include drug trafficking and violent turf wars, but also for their significant role in the biker subculture. Their identity is wrapped up in the rebellious spirit of the ride, the freedom of the road, and a stringent code that dictates loyalty to the club above all else. Their most notorious rivalry is with the Hells Angels, a feud that has escalated into numerous violent encounters over the years, marking a significant chapter in the annals of biker gang history.

The Mongols have been the subject of intense scrutiny by federal authorities, leading to multiple high-profile raids and legal battles. In a notable attempt to undermine the club’s identity, law enforcement once tried to seize control of the Mongols’ trademarked logo, aiming to strip them of their visual identity and, by extension, their cohesion and morale. Despite these challenges, the Mongols remain a formidable presence within the motorcycle club community, embodying a defiant resistance to both rival gangs and the pressures of law enforcement.

Mongols Motorcycle Club - The Biggest Gangs in the US — Mongols Motorcycle Club

7. Hell’s Angels

Founded in 1948 in Fontana, California, the Hells Angels have grown from a small group of motorcycling enthusiasts into one of the most powerful and notorious motorcycle clubs in the world. The name “Hells Angels” was inspired by fighter squadrons of the Second World War, a nod to the members’ original love of motorcycles and the freedoms they represent. Over the decades, the club expanded globally, establishing chapters on every continent and becoming synonymous with the motorcycle club lifestyle.

The Hells Angels have cultivated a media persona that mixes a carefully managed public image with an aggressive defense of their privacy and rights. They have been featured in countless media stories, films, and documentaries, sometimes depicted as modern-day outlaws, while at other times as misunderstood freedom-lovers. This media portrayal has helped to mythologize the club, enhancing its allure and infamy.

Despite their often glamorized image, the Hells Angels are heavily involved in various illicit activities, including the drug trade, arms dealing, and violent crime. Law enforcement agencies worldwide continue to monitor their activities closely. The club maintains a strong corporate-like structure that has allowed it to withstand legal challenges and internal conflicts. The Hells Angels’ ability to adapt to changing legal landscapes and the shifting dynamics of the motorcycle club world keeps them at the forefront of this subculture.

8. Barrio Azteca

Barrio Azteca originated in the 1980s within the walls of the El Paso County Jail, established by inmates as a method of protection and mutual support against other gangs. It quickly grew beyond its initial purpose, expanding its influence across prisons in Texas and beyond, becoming one of the most formidable prison gangs in the United States.

With a strong base in Texas, Barrio Azteca has established significant connections with Mexican cartels, particularly the Juárez Cartel, facilitating their involvement in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and arms dealing. These activities are not confined to prison but extend across the US-Mexico border, making them a pivotal player in cross-border criminal enterprises.

The gang’s extensive criminal activities have made them a significant target for law enforcement on both sides of the border. Numerous joint operations between U.S. and Mexican authorities aim to dismantle their network, leading to frequent arrests and significant disruptions in their operations. Despite these efforts, the gang’s deep-rooted presence and adaptable nature make them a persistent threat.

Barrio Azteca - The Biggest Gangs in the US — Barrio Azteca

9. Bandidos Motorcycle Club

Founded in 1966 by Don Chambers in Texas, the Bandidos Motorcycle Club has grown into one of the largest motorcycle clubs worldwide, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Australia. The club was formed to express a sense of freedom and rebellion, a central theme that continues to define their ethos.

The Bandidos are recognized for their distinctive patch and motto, “We are the people our parents warned us about,” which encapsulates their outlaw image. The club’s culture is steeped in the traditions of loyalty and respect among members, with a strong emphasis on brotherhood that has been romanticized in popular culture.

The Bandidos have been involved in numerous conflicts, both with law enforcement and rival motorcycle clubs, most notably the Hells Angels. These conflicts often revolve around territorial disputes and control over criminal activities such as drug trafficking. Their involvement in the 2015 Waco shootout, which resulted in multiple fatalities, underscored their violent tendencies and brought significant media attention and legal scrutiny to the club.

10. Black Guerrilla Family

The Black Guerrilla Family (BGF) was founded in 1966 by George Jackson in San Quentin State Prison, California, as a Marxist revolutionary group aimed at eradicating racial discrimination and improving prison conditions. Its philosophy is rooted in black empowerment and social justice, drawing inspiration from various revolutionary figures.

Throughout its history, the BGF has been involved in political activism, advocating for racial equality and social justice within and outside of prison walls. The gang has been linked to various political protests and is known for its militant stance against perceived injustices.

While the BGF has maintained some of its ideological foundations, it has also been involved in typical criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violence. Its presence is predominantly felt within the prison system, where it continues to recruit and exert influence over other inmates. Law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in monitoring the gang’s activities, particularly due to its potential to incite organized inmate uprisings.

The landscape of America’s biggest gangs is varied and complex, each with its own culture, history, and impact on society.

From street gangs like the Crips and Bloods to biker groups like the Hells Angels and Bandidos, and prison gangs like Barrio Azteca and the Black Guerrilla Family, these organizations reflect broader social issues and challenges.

Understanding these gangs’ inner workings offers insights into the measures necessary to mitigate their influence and the ongoing efforts to ensure community safety and social justice.