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Prison Gangs
The Arayan Brotherhood, also known as the AB The Arayan Brotherhood, also known as the AB, was originally ruled by consensus but is now a highly structured entity with two factions, one located within the California Department of Corrections (CDC) and the other within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The majority of the members of the AB are Caucasian males, and the gang is primarily active in the Southwestern and Pacific regions of the U.S. The main source of income for the AB is derived from the distribution of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine within the prison systems as well as on the street. Some AB members have established business relationships with Mexican DTOs that smuggle illegal drugs into California for distribution by the AB. The AB is notoriously violent and is frequently involved in murder-for-hire. Although historically linked to the California based Hispanic prison gang the Mexican Mafia (La Eme), tension between the AB and La Eme is becoming increasingly evident as demonstrated by recent fights between Caucasians and Hispanics within the CDC.
The Arayan Brotherhood, also known as the AB The Arayan Brotherhood, also known as the AB, was originally ruled by consensus but is now a highly structured entity with two factions, one located within the California Department of Corrections (CDC) and the other within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The majority of the members of the AB are Caucasian males, and the gang is primarily active in the Southwestern and Pacific regions of the U.S. The main source of income for the AB is derived from the distribution of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine within the prison systems as well as on the street. Some AB members have established business relationships with Mexican DTOs that smuggle illegal drugs into California for distribution by the AB. The AB is notoriously violent and is frequently involved in murder-for-hire. Although historically linked to the California based Hispanic prison gang the Mexican Mafia (La Eme), tension between the AB and La Eme is becoming increasingly evident as demonstrated by recent fights between Caucasians and Hispanics within the CDC.
The Arayan Brotherhood, also known as the AB The Arayan Brotherhood, also known as the AB, was originally ruled by consensus but is now a highly structured entity with two factions, one located within the California Department of Corrections (CDC) and the other within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The majority of the members of the AB are Caucasian males, and the gang is primarily active in the Southwestern and Pacific regions of the U.S. The main source of income for the AB is derived from the distribution of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine within the prison systems as well as on the street. Some AB members have established business relationships with Mexican DTOs that smuggle illegal drugs into California for distribution by the AB. The AB is notoriously violent and is frequently involved in murder-for-hire. Although historically linked to the California based Hispanic prison gang the Mexican Mafia (La Eme), tension between the AB and La Eme is becoming increasingly evident as demonstrated by recent fights between Caucasians and Hispanics within the CDC.
The Barrio Azteca The Barrio Azteca is one of the most violent prison gangs operating within the U.S. Barrio Azteca is a highly structured criminal entity and has an estimated membership of 2,000 persons. Most members of the Barrio Azteca are either Mexican nationals or Mexican-American males. Barrio Azteca is most active in the Southwestern region of the U.S., primarily in federal, state and local correctional facilities in Texas, as well as on the outside in communities located in Southwestern Texas and Southeastern New Mexico. Barrio Azteca's main source of income is derived from the smuggling of heroin, powdered cocaine and marijuana from Mexico into the U.S. for distribution both inside and outside the prison systems. Members of the Barrio Azteca often transport illicit drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border on behalf of DTOs. Barrio Azteca members are also involved in crimes such as alien smuggling, arson, assault, auto theft, burglary, extortion, intimidation, kidnapping, robbery and weapons violations.
The Barrio Azteca The Barrio Azteca is one of the most violent prison gangs operating within the U.S. Barrio Azteca is a highly structured criminal entity and has an estimated membership of 2,000 persons. Most members of the Barrio Azteca are either Mexican nationals or Mexican-American males. Barrio Azteca is most active in the Southwestern region of the U.S., primarily in federal, state and local correctional facilities in Texas, as well as on the outside in communities located in Southwestern Texas and Southeastern New Mexico. Barrio Azteca's main source of income is derived from the smuggling of heroin, powdered cocaine and marijuana from Mexico into the U.S. for distribution both inside and outside the prison systems. Members of the Barrio Azteca often transport illicit drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border on behalf of DTOs. Barrio Azteca members are also involved in crimes such as alien smuggling, arson, assault, auto theft, burglary, extortion, intimidation, kidnapping, robbery and weapons violations.
The Barrio Azteca The Barrio Azteca is one of the most violent prison gangs operating within the U.S. Barrio Azteca is a highly structured criminal entity and has an estimated membership of 2,000 persons. Most members of the Barrio Azteca are either Mexican nationals or Mexican-American males. Barrio Azteca is most active in the Southwestern region of the U.S., primarily in federal, state and local correctional facilities in Texas, as well as on the outside in communities located in Southwestern Texas and Southeastern New Mexico. Barrio Azteca's main source of income is derived from the smuggling of heroin, powdered cocaine and marijuana from Mexico into the U.S. for distribution both inside and outside the prison systems. Members of the Barrio Azteca often transport illicit drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border on behalf of DTOs. Barrio Azteca members are also involved in crimes such as alien smuggling, arson, assault, auto theft, burglary, extortion, intimidation, kidnapping, robbery and weapons violations.
The Black Guerrilla Family (BGF) The Black Guerrilla Family (BGF), originally called the Black Family or the Black Vanguard, is a prison gang founded in 1966 at the San Quentin State Prison in California. The BGF is highly organized along paramilitary lines with a supreme leader and a central committee. BGF has an established national charter, a code of ethics and an oath of allegiance. BGF members operate primarily in the states of California and Maryland. BGF has approximately 100 to 300 members, a majority of whom are African-American males. A primary source of income for the BGF is derived from the distribution of cocaine and marijuana. BGF members obtain drugs primarily from Nuestra Familia and Norteño members or from local Mexican drug-traffickers. BGF members are also involved in other criminal activities including auto theft, burglary, drive-by shooting and homicide.
The Black Guerrilla Family (BGF)
Dead Man Incorporated (DMI) Dead Man Incorporated (DMI) is a violent prison gang that originated in the 1980s by three prison inmates. DMI operates primarily in the Maryland Division of Corrections (MDOC), where gang membership is estimated to be more than 370 members; consisting of predominantly white males. In 2006, leadership within MDOC gave the go-ahead to a DMI member to begin recruiting in Virginia. The DMI member assaulted a law enforcement official to ensure his incarceration and ability to begin recruiting DMI membership in the Virginia prison system. The main source of income for DM1 gang members is committing murder for hire, acts of intimidation and violence, and drug distribution.
Dead Man Incorporated (DMI) Dead Man Incorporated (DMI) is a violent prison gang that originated in the 1980s by three prison inmates. DMI operates primarily in the Maryland Division of Corrections (MDOC), where gang membership is estimated to be more than 370 members; consisting of predominantly white males. In 2006, leadership within MDOC gave the go-ahead to a DMI member to begin recruiting in Virginia. The DMI member assaulted a law enforcement official to ensure his incarceration and ability to begin recruiting DMI membership in the Virginia prison system. The main source of income for DM1 gang members is committing murder for hire, acts of intimidation and violence, and drug distribution.
Dead Man Incorporated (DMI) Dead Man Incorporated (DMI) is a violent prison gang that originated in the 1980s by three prison inmates. DMI operates primarily in the Maryland Division of Corrections (MDOC), where gang membership is estimated to be more than 370 members; consisting of predominantly white males. In 2006, leadership within MDOC gave the go-ahead to a DMI member to begin recruiting in Virginia. The DMI member assaulted a law enforcement official to ensure his incarceration and ability to begin recruiting DMI membership in the Virginia prison system. The main source of income for DM1 gang members is committing murder for hire, acts of intimidation and violence, and drug distribution.
The Hermanos de Pistoleros Latinos (HPL) The Hermanos de Pistoleros Latinos (HPL) is a Hispanic prison gang formed in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in the late 1980's. HPL operates in most prisons and on the streets in many communities in Texas, particularly Laredo. HPL is also active in several cities in Mexico, and its largest contingent in that country is located in Nuevo Laredo. HPL is structured and estimated to have 1,000 members. HPL members maintain close ties with Mexican DTOs and are involved in the trafficking of large quantities of cocaine and marijuana from Mexico into the U.S. for distribution.
The Hermanos de Pistoleros Latinos (HPL) The Hermanos de Pistoleros Latinos (HPL) is a Hispanic prison gang formed in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in the late 1980's. HPL operates in most prisons and on the streets in many communities in Texas, particularly Laredo. HPL is also active in several cities in Mexico, and its largest contingent in that country is located in Nuevo Laredo. HPL is structured and estimated to have 1,000 members. HPL members maintain close ties with Mexican DTOs and are involved in the trafficking of large quantities of cocaine and marijuana from Mexico into the U.S. for distribution.
The Hermanos de Pistoleros Latinos (HPL) The Hermanos de Pistoleros Latinos (HPL) is a Hispanic prison gang formed in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in the late 1980's. HPL operates in most prisons and on the streets in many communities in Texas, particularly Laredo. HPL is also active in several cities in Mexico, and its largest contingent in that country is located in Nuevo Laredo. HPL is structured and estimated to have 1,000 members. HPL members maintain close ties with Mexican DTOs and are involved in the trafficking of large quantities of cocaine and marijuana from Mexico into the U.S. for distribution.
The Mexican Mafia prison gang, also known as La Eme (Spanish for the letter M) The Mexican Mafia prison gang, also known as La Eme (Spanish for the letter M), was formed in the late 1950's within the California Department of Corrections (CDC). La Eme is a loosely structured criminal organization with strict rules that must be followed by the estimated 350 to 400 members. Most members of La Eme are comprised of Mexican-American males who previously belonged to a Southern California street gang. La Eme is primarily active in the Southwestern and Pacific regions of the U.S., however, its' power base remains in California. The Mexican Mafia's main source of income is extorting drug distributors outside prison and distributing methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana within the prison systems and on the outside streets. Some members of La Eme have direct links to Mexican DTOs and broker deals for both themselves and their associates. La Eme is also involved in other criminal activities including controlling gambling and prostitution within the prison systems.
The Mexican Mafia prison gang, also known as La Eme (Spanish for the letter M) The Mexican Mafia prison gang, also known as La Eme (Spanish for the letter M), was formed in the late 1950's within the California Department of Corrections (CDC). La Eme is a loosely structured criminal organization with strict rules that must be followed by the estimated 350 to 400 members. Most members of La Eme are comprised of Mexican-American males who previously belonged to a Southern California street gang. La Eme is primarily active in the Southwestern and Pacific regions of the U.S., however, its' power base remains in California. The Mexican Mafia's main source of income is extorting drug distributors outside prison and distributing methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana within the prison systems and on the outside streets. Some members of La Eme have direct links to Mexican DTOs and broker deals for both themselves and their associates. La Eme is also involved in other criminal activities including controlling gambling and prostitution within the prison systems.
The Mexican Mafia prison gang, also known as La Eme (Spanish for the letter M) The Mexican Mafia prison gang, also known as La Eme (Spanish for the letter M), was formed in the late 1950's within the California Department of Corrections (CDC). La Eme is a loosely structured criminal organization with strict rules that must be followed by the estimated 350 to 400 members. Most members of La Eme are comprised of Mexican-American males who previously belonged to a Southern California street gang. La Eme is primarily active in the Southwestern and Pacific regions of the U.S., however, its' power base remains in California. The Mexican Mafia's main source of income is extorting drug distributors outside prison and distributing methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana within the prison systems and on the outside streets. Some members of La Eme have direct links to Mexican DTOs and broker deals for both themselves and their associates. La Eme is also involved in other criminal activities including controlling gambling and prostitution within the prison systems.
The Mexikanemi prison gang, also known as the Texas Mexican Mafia (La Eme) The Mexikanemi prison gang, also known as the Texas Mexican Mafia (La Eme) or Emi, was formed in the early 1980's within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The Mexikanemi is highly structured and is estimated to have 2,000 members, most of whom are Mexican nationals or Mexican-American males living in Texas at the time of their incarceration. Mexikanemi poses a significant drug-trafficking threat to communities in the Southwestern U.S., particularly in Texas. Mexikanemi gang members reportedly traffic multi-kilogram quantities of powdered cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine; multi-ton quantities of marijuana; and thousand-tablet quantities of ecstasy from Mexico into the U.S. for distribution both inside and outside prison. Mexikanemi gang members obtain narcotics from associates or members of the Jaime Herrera-Herrera, Osiel Cardenas-Guillen, and/or the Vicente Carrillo-Fuentes Mexican DTOs. In addition, Mexikanemi members maintain a relationship with Los Zetas, a Mexican paramilitary/criminal organization employed by the Cardenas-Guillen DTO as its personal security force.
The Mexikanemi prison gang, also known as the Texas Mexican Mafia (La Eme) The Mexikanemi prison gang, also known as the Texas Mexican Mafia (La Eme) or Emi, was formed in the early 1980's within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The Mexikanemi is highly structured and is estimated to have 2,000 members, most of whom are Mexican nationals or Mexican-American males living in Texas at the time of their incarceration. Mexikanemi poses a significant drug-trafficking threat to communities in the Southwestern U.S., particularly in Texas. Mexikanemi gang members reportedly traffic multi-kilogram quantities of powdered cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine; multi-ton quantities of marijuana; and thousand-tablet quantities of ecstasy from Mexico into the U.S. for distribution both inside and outside prison. Mexikanemi gang members obtain narcotics from associates or members of the Jaime Herrera-Herrera, Osiel Cardenas-Guillen, and/or the Vicente Carrillo-Fuentes Mexican DTOs. In addition, Mexikanemi members maintain a relationship with Los Zetas, a Mexican paramilitary/criminal organization employed by the Cardenas-Guillen DTO as its personal security force.
The Mexikanemi prison gang, also known as the Texas Mexican Mafia (La Eme) The Mexikanemi prison gang, also known as the Texas Mexican Mafia (La Eme) or Emi, was formed in the early 1980's within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The Mexikanemi is highly structured and is estimated to have 2,000 members, most of whom are Mexican nationals or Mexican-American males living in Texas at the time of their incarceration. Mexikanemi poses a significant drug-trafficking threat to communities in the Southwestern U.S., particularly in Texas. Mexikanemi gang members reportedly traffic multi-kilogram quantities of powdered cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine; multi-ton quantities of marijuana; and thousand-tablet quantities of ecstasy from Mexico into the U.S. for distribution both inside and outside prison. Mexikanemi gang members obtain narcotics from associates or members of the Jaime Herrera-Herrera, Osiel Cardenas-Guillen, and/or the Vicente Carrillo-Fuentes Mexican DTOs. In addition, Mexikanemi members maintain a relationship with Los Zetas, a Mexican paramilitary/criminal organization employed by the Cardenas-Guillen DTO as its personal security force.
The Texas Syndicate (TS) The Texas Syndicate (TS) is one of the largest and most violent prison gangs active on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and poses a significant drug trafficking threat to communities located in the Southwestern United States. The TS is highly structured and is estimated to have 1,300 members, most of whom are Mexican-American males between the ages of 20-40. Members of the TS smuggle multi-kilogram quantities of powdered cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, and multi-ton quantities of marijuana from Mexico into the U.S. for distribution both inside and outside of prison. TS gang members have a direct working relationship with associates and/or members of the Osiel Cardenas-Guillen Mexican DTO. In addition, TS gang members maintain a relationship with Los Zetas, the paramilitary/criminal organization employed by the Cadenas-Guillen DTO.
The Texas Syndicate (TS) The Texas Syndicate (TS) is one of the largest and most violent prison gangs active on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and poses a significant drug trafficking threat to communities located in the Southwestern United States. The TS is highly structured and is estimated to have 1,300 members, most of whom are Mexican-American males between the ages of 20-40. Members of the TS smuggle multi-kilogram quantities of powdered cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, and multi-ton quantities of marijuana from Mexico into the U.S. for distribution both inside and outside of prison. TS gang members have a direct working relationship with associates and/or members of the Osiel Cardenas-Guillen Mexican DTO. In addition, TS gang members maintain a relationship with Los Zetas, the paramilitary/criminal organization employed by the Cadenas-Guillen DTO.
The Texas Syndicate (TS) The Texas Syndicate (TS) is one of the largest and most violent prison gangs active on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and poses a significant drug trafficking threat to communities located in the Southwestern United States. The TS is highly structured and is estimated to have 1,300 members, most of whom are Mexican-American males between the ages of 20-40. Members of the TS smuggle multi-kilogram quantities of powdered cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, and multi-ton quantities of marijuana from Mexico into the U.S. for distribution both inside and outside of prison. TS gang members have a direct working relationship with associates and/or members of the Osiel Cardenas-Guillen Mexican DTO. In addition, TS gang members maintain a relationship with Los Zetas, the paramilitary/criminal organization employed by the Cadenas-Guillen DTO.
Prison gangs are criminal organizations that originated within the penal system and they have continued to operate within correctional facilities throughout the United States. Prison gangs are also self-perpetuating criminal entities that can continue their operations outside the confines of the penal system. Typically, a prison gang consists of a select group on inmates who have an organized hierarchy and who are governed by an established code of conduct. Prison gangs vary in both organization and composition, from highly structured gangs such as the Aryan Brotherhood and Nuestra Familia to gangs with a less formalized structure such as the Mexican Mafia (La Eme). Prison gangs generally have fewer members than street gangs and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs(OMGs) and are structured along racial or ethnic lines. Nationally, prison gangs pose a threat because of their role in the transportation and distribution of narcotics. Prison gangs are also an important link between drug-trafficking organizations (DTOs), street gangs and OMGs, often brokering the transfer of drugs from DTOs to gangs in many regions. Prison gangs typically are more powerful within state correctional facilities rather than within the federal penal system.
Updated November 15, 2023
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Violent Crime
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