U.S. Department
of Justice
Related Content
Press Release
Photo Gallery
Criminal Street Gangs
18th Street Formed in Los Angeles, 18th Street is a loosely associated set of cliques, each led by an influential and prominent member. Membership in 18th Street is estimated to consist of between 30,000 to 50,000 individuals. In California, approximately 80 percent of the 18th Street gang's membership is composed of illegal aliens from Mexico and Central America. 18th Street is active in 44 cities and in 20 states. 18th Street's main source of income is derived from the street-level distribution of cocaine and marijuana, and to a lesser extent, heroin and methamphetamine. 18th Street gang members also engage in crimes such as assault, auto theft, carjacking, drive-by shooting, extortion, homicide, identification fraud and robbery.
18th Street Formed in Los Angeles, 18th Street is a loosely associated set of cliques, each led by an influential and prominent member. Membership in 18th Street is estimated to consist of between 30,000 to 50,000 individuals. In California, approximately 80 percent of the 18th Street gang's membership is composed of illegal aliens from Mexico and Central America. 18th Street is active in 44 cities and in 20 states. 18th Street's main source of income is derived from the street-level distribution of cocaine and marijuana, and to a lesser extent, heroin and methamphetamine. 18th Street gang members also engage in crimes such as assault, auto theft, carjacking, drive-by shooting, extortion, homicide, identification fraud and robbery.
18th Street Formed in Los Angeles, 18th Street is a loosely associated set of cliques, each led by an influential and prominent member. Membership in 18th Street is estimated to consist of between 30,000 to 50,000 individuals. In California, approximately 80 percent of the 18th Street gang's membership is composed of illegal aliens from Mexico and Central America. 18th Street is active in 44 cities and in 20 states. 18th Street's main source of income is derived from the street-level distribution of cocaine and marijuana, and to a lesser extent, heroin and methamphetamine. 18th Street gang members also engage in crimes such as assault, auto theft, carjacking, drive-by shooting, extortion, homicide, identification fraud and robbery.
The Latin Kings The Latin Kings street gang was formed in Chicago in the 1960s and consisted predominantly of Mexican and Puerto Rican males. Originally created with the philosophy of overcoming racial prejudice and creating an organization of "Kings," the Latin Kings evolved into a criminal enterprise operating throughout the United States under two umbrella factions - Motherland, also known as KMC (King Motherland Chicago), and Bloodline (New York). All members of the gang refer to themselves as Latin Kings and, currently, individuals of any nationality are allowed to become members. Latin Kings associating with the Motherland faction also identify themselves as "Almighty Latin King Nation (ALKN)," and make up more than 160 structured chapters operating in 158 cities in 31 states. The membership of Latin Kings following KMC is estimated to be 20,000 to 35,000. The Bloodline was founded by Luis Felipe in the New York State correctional system in 1986. Latin Kings associating with Bloodline also identify themselves as the "Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN)." Membership is estimated to be 2,200 to 7,500, divided among several dozen chapters operating in 15 cities in 5 states. Bloodline Latin Kings share a common culture and structure with KMC and respect them as the Motherland, but all chapters do not report to the Chicago leadership hierarchy. The gang's primary source of income is the street-level distribution of powder cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Latin Kings continue to portray themselves as a community organization while engaging in a wide variety of criminal activities, including assault, burglary, homicide, identity theft, and money laundering.
The Latin Kings The Latin Kings street gang was formed in Chicago in the 1960s and consisted predominantly of Mexican and Puerto Rican males. Originally created with the philosophy of overcoming racial prejudice and creating an organization of "Kings," the Latin Kings evolved into a criminal enterprise operating throughout the United States under two umbrella factions - Motherland, also known as KMC (King Motherland Chicago), and Bloodline (New York). All members of the gang refer to themselves as Latin Kings and, currently, individuals of any nationality are allowed to become members. Latin Kings associating with the Motherland faction also identify themselves as "Almighty Latin King Nation (ALKN)," and make up more than 160 structured chapters operating in 158 cities in 31 states. The membership of Latin Kings following KMC is estimated to be 20,000 to 35,000. The Bloodline was founded by Luis Felipe in the New York State correctional system in 1986. Latin Kings associating with Bloodline also identify themselves as the "Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN)." Membership is estimated to be 2,200 to 7,500, divided among several dozen chapters operating in 15 cities in 5 states. Bloodline Latin Kings share a common culture and structure with KMC and respect them as the Motherland, but all chapters do not report to the Chicago leadership hierarchy. The gang's primary source of income is the street-level distribution of powder cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Latin Kings continue to portray themselves as a community organization while engaging in a wide variety of criminal activities, including assault, burglary, homicide, identity theft, and money laundering.
The Latin Kings The Latin Kings street gang was formed in Chicago in the 1960s and consisted predominantly of Mexican and Puerto Rican males. Originally created with the philosophy of overcoming racial prejudice and creating an organization of "Kings," the Latin Kings evolved into a criminal enterprise operating throughout the United States under two umbrella factions - Motherland, also known as KMC (King Motherland Chicago), and Bloodline (New York). All members of the gang refer to themselves as Latin Kings and, currently, individuals of any nationality are allowed to become members. Latin Kings associating with the Motherland faction also identify themselves as "Almighty Latin King Nation (ALKN)," and make up more than 160 structured chapters operating in 158 cities in 31 states. The membership of Latin Kings following KMC is estimated to be 20,000 to 35,000. The Bloodline was founded by Luis Felipe in the New York State correctional system in 1986. Latin Kings associating with Bloodline also identify themselves as the "Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN)." Membership is estimated to be 2,200 to 7,500, divided among several dozen chapters operating in 15 cities in 5 states. Bloodline Latin Kings share a common culture and structure with KMC and respect them as the Motherland, but all chapters do not report to the Chicago leadership hierarchy. The gang's primary source of income is the street-level distribution of powder cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Latin Kings continue to portray themselves as a community organization while engaging in a wide variety of criminal activities, including assault, burglary, homicide, identity theft, and money laundering.
The Bloods The Bloods are an association of structured and unstructured gangs that have adopted a single gang culture. Large, national-level Bloods gangs include such entities as the Bounty Hunter Bloods and Crenshaw Mafia Gangsters. Bloods membership is estimated to consist of between 5,000 to 20,000 individuals, most of whom are African-American males. Blood gangs are active in 123 cities and in 33 states. The main source of income for the Bloods is derived from the street-level distribution of cocaine and marijuana. Bloods members are also involved in the transportation and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, and to a lesser extent, PCP (phencyclidine). The Bloods are also involved in other criminal activity such as assault, auto theft, burglary, carjacking, drive-by shooting, extortion, homicide, identification fraud and robbery.
The Bloods The Bloods are an association of structured and unstructured gangs that have adopted a single gang culture. Large, national-level Bloods gangs include such entities as the Bounty Hunter Bloods and Crenshaw Mafia Gangsters. Bloods membership is estimated to consist of between 5,000 to 20,000 individuals, most of whom are African-American males. Blood gangs are active in 123 cities and in 33 states. The main source of income for the Bloods is derived from the street-level distribution of cocaine and marijuana. Bloods members are also involved in the transportation and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, and to a lesser extent, PCP (phencyclidine). The Bloods are also involved in other criminal activity such as assault, auto theft, burglary, carjacking, drive-by shooting, extortion, homicide, identification fraud and robbery.
The Bloods The Bloods are an association of structured and unstructured gangs that have adopted a single gang culture. Large, national-level Bloods gangs include such entities as the Bounty Hunter Bloods and Crenshaw Mafia Gangsters. Bloods membership is estimated to consist of between 5,000 to 20,000 individuals, most of whom are African-American males. Blood gangs are active in 123 cities and in 33 states. The main source of income for the Bloods is derived from the street-level distribution of cocaine and marijuana. Bloods members are also involved in the transportation and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, and to a lesser extent, PCP (phencyclidine). The Bloods are also involved in other criminal activity such as assault, auto theft, burglary, carjacking, drive-by shooting, extortion, homicide, identification fraud and robbery.
The Crips The Crips are a collection of structured and unstructured gangs that have adopted a common gang culture. Crips membership is estimated to consist of between 30,000 to 35,000 individuals, most of whom are African-American males from the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Large, national-level Crips gangs include the 107 Hoover Crips, Insane Gangster Crips and Rolling 60s Crips. Crips gangs operate in 221 cities and in 41 states. The main source of income for Crips gangs is derived from the street-level distribution of powdered cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana and PCP (phencyclidine). The Crips also are involved in other criminal activities including assault, auto theft, burglary and homicide.
The Crips The Crips are a collection of structured and unstructured gangs that have adopted a common gang culture. Crips membership is estimated to consist of between 30,000 to 35,000 individuals, most of whom are African-American males from the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Large, national-level Crips gangs include the 107 Hoover Crips, Insane Gangster Crips and Rolling 60s Crips. Crips gangs operate in 221 cities and in 41 states. The main source of income for Crips gangs is derived from the street-level distribution of powdered cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana and PCP (phencyclidine). The Crips also are involved in other criminal activities including assault, auto theft, burglary and homicide.
The Crips The Crips are a collection of structured and unstructured gangs that have adopted a common gang culture. Crips membership is estimated to consist of between 30,000 to 35,000 individuals, most of whom are African-American males from the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Large, national-level Crips gangs include the 107 Hoover Crips, Insane Gangster Crips and Rolling 60s Crips. Crips gangs operate in 221 cities and in 41 states. The main source of income for Crips gangs is derived from the street-level distribution of powdered cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana and PCP (phencyclidine). The Crips also are involved in other criminal activities including assault, auto theft, burglary and homicide.
The Gangster Disciples The Gangster Disciples criminal street gang was formed in Chicago, Illinois, in the mid-1960's. The Gangster Disciples are structured like a corporation and are led by a Chairman of the Board. The Gangster Disciples gang membership is estimated to consist of between 25,000 to 50,000 individuals, a majority of whom are African-American males from the Chicago metropolitan area. The Gangster Disciples are active in 110 cities and in 31 states. The Gangster Disciples main source of income is derived from the street-level distribution of cocaine, marijuana and heroin. The Gangster Disciples are also involved in other types of criminal activity including assault, auto theft, fraud, homicide and money laundering.
The Gangster Disciples The Gangster Disciples criminal street gang was formed in Chicago, Illinois, in the mid-1960's. The Gangster Disciples are structured like a corporation and are led by a Chairman of the Board. The Gangster Disciples gang membership is estimated to consist of between 25,000 to 50,000 individuals, a majority of whom are African-American males from the Chicago metropolitan area. The Gangster Disciples are active in 110 cities and in 31 states. The Gangster Disciples main source of income is derived from the street-level distribution of cocaine, marijuana and heroin. The Gangster Disciples are also involved in other types of criminal activity including assault, auto theft, fraud, homicide and money laundering.
The Gangster Disciples The Gangster Disciples criminal street gang was formed in Chicago, Illinois, in the mid-1960's. The Gangster Disciples are structured like a corporation and are led by a Chairman of the Board. The Gangster Disciples gang membership is estimated to consist of between 25,000 to 50,000 individuals, a majority of whom are African-American males from the Chicago metropolitan area. The Gangster Disciples are active in 110 cities and in 31 states. The Gangster Disciples main source of income is derived from the street-level distribution of cocaine, marijuana and heroin. The Gangster Disciples are also involved in other types of criminal activity including assault, auto theft, fraud, homicide and money laundering.
Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, is one of the largest Hispanic criminal street gangs operating in the U.S. Traditionally, MS-13 consisted of loosely affiliated groups known as cliques, however, law enforcement officials have reported increased coordination of criminal activity among MS-13 cliques in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and the New York metropolitan areas. MS-13 is estimated to have between 30,000 to 50,000 members and associate members worldwide, and between 8,000 to 10,000 members residing in the U.S. MS-13 members are involved in the smuggling of illicit drugs into the U.S., primarily powdered cocaine and marijuana. MS-13 members are also involved in the transportation and distribution of drugs throughout the U.S. MS-13 members also engage in other criminal activities including alien smuggling, assault, drive-by shooting, homicide, identification theft, prostitution, robbery and weapons trafficking.
Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, is one of the largest Hispanic criminal street gangs operating in the U.S. Traditionally, MS-13 consisted of loosely affiliated groups known as cliques, however, law enforcement officials have reported increased coordination of criminal activity among MS-13 cliques in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and the New York metropolitan areas. MS-13 is estimated to have between 30,000 to 50,000 members and associate members worldwide, and between 8,000 to 10,000 members residing in the U.S. MS-13 members are involved in the smuggling of illicit drugs into the U.S., primarily powdered cocaine and marijuana. MS-13 members are also involved in the transportation and distribution of drugs throughout the U.S. MS-13 members also engage in other criminal activities including alien smuggling, assault, drive-by shooting, homicide, identification theft, prostitution, robbery and weapons trafficking.
Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, is one of the largest Hispanic criminal street gangs operating in the U.S. Traditionally, MS-13 consisted of loosely affiliated groups known as cliques, however, law enforcement officials have reported increased coordination of criminal activity among MS-13 cliques in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and the New York metropolitan areas. MS-13 is estimated to have between 30,000 to 50,000 members and associate members worldwide, and between 8,000 to 10,000 members residing in the U.S. MS-13 members are involved in the smuggling of illicit drugs into the U.S., primarily powdered cocaine and marijuana. MS-13 members are also involved in the transportation and distribution of drugs throughout the U.S. MS-13 members also engage in other criminal activities including alien smuggling, assault, drive-by shooting, homicide, identification theft, prostitution, robbery and weapons trafficking.
Sureños or Norteños As individual Hispanic street gang members enter prison systems, they put aside former rivalries with other Hispanic street gangs and unite under the name Sureños or Norteños. The original Mexican Mafia (La Eme) members, most of whom were from southern California, considered Mexicans from the rural, agricultural areas of northern California weak and viewed them with contempt. To distinguish themselves from the agricultural workers or farmers from northern California, members of Mexican Mafia (La Eme) began to refer to the Hispanic gang members who worked for them as Sureños (Southerners). Inmates from northern California became known as Norteños (Northerners) and are affiliated with Nuestra Familia. Because of its size and strength, Fresno Bulldogs is the only Hispanic gang in the California Department of Corrections (CDC) that does not fall under Sureños or Norteños but remains independent. Sureños gang members' main sources of income are retail-level distribution of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine within prison systems and in the community as well as extortion of drug distributors on the streets. Some members have direct links to Mexican DTOs and broker deals for Mexican Mafia (La Eme) as well as their own gang. Sureños gangs also are involved in other criminal activities such as assault, carjacking, home invasion, homicide, and robbery. Norteños gang members' main sources of income are the retail-level distribution of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and PCP within prison systems and in the community as well as extortion of drug distributors on the streets. Norteños gangs also are involved in other criminal activities such as assault, carjacking, home invasion, homicide, and robbery.
Sureños or Norteños As individual Hispanic street gang members enter prison systems, they put aside former rivalries with other Hispanic street gangs and unite under the name Sureños or Norteños. The original Mexican Mafia (La Eme) members, most of whom were from southern California, considered Mexicans from the rural, agricultural areas of northern California weak and viewed them with contempt. To distinguish themselves from the agricultural workers or farmers from northern California, members of Mexican Mafia (La Eme) began to refer to the Hispanic gang members who worked for them as Sureños (Southerners). Inmates from northern California became known as Norteños (Northerners) and are affiliated with Nuestra Familia. Because of its size and strength, Fresno Bulldogs is the only Hispanic gang in the California Department of Corrections (CDC) that does not fall under Sureños or Norteños but remains independent. Sureños gang members' main sources of income are retail-level distribution of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine within prison systems and in the community as well as extortion of drug distributors on the streets. Some members have direct links to Mexican DTOs and broker deals for Mexican Mafia (La Eme) as well as their own gang. Sureños gangs also are involved in other criminal activities such as assault, carjacking, home invasion, homicide, and robbery. Norteños gang members' main sources of income are the retail-level distribution of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and PCP within prison systems and in the community as well as extortion of drug distributors on the streets. Norteños gangs also are involved in other criminal activities such as assault, carjacking, home invasion, homicide, and robbery.
Sureños or Norteños As individual Hispanic street gang members enter prison systems, they put aside former rivalries with other Hispanic street gangs and unite under the name Sureños or Norteños. The original Mexican Mafia (La Eme) members, most of whom were from southern California, considered Mexicans from the rural, agricultural areas of northern California weak and viewed them with contempt. To distinguish themselves from the agricultural workers or farmers from northern California, members of Mexican Mafia (La Eme) began to refer to the Hispanic gang members who worked for them as Sureños (Southerners). Inmates from northern California became known as Norteños (Northerners) and are affiliated with Nuestra Familia. Because of its size and strength, Fresno Bulldogs is the only Hispanic gang in the California Department of Corrections (CDC) that does not fall under Sureños or Norteños but remains independent. Sureños gang members' main sources of income are retail-level distribution of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine within prison systems and in the community as well as extortion of drug distributors on the streets. Some members have direct links to Mexican DTOs and broker deals for Mexican Mafia (La Eme) as well as their own gang. Sureños gangs also are involved in other criminal activities such as assault, carjacking, home invasion, homicide, and robbery. Norteños gang members' main sources of income are the retail-level distribution of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and PCP within prison systems and in the community as well as extortion of drug distributors on the streets. Norteños gangs also are involved in other criminal activities such as assault, carjacking, home invasion, homicide, and robbery.
The Tiny Rascal Gangsters (Tiny Rascals) The Tiny Rascal Gangsters (Tiny Rascals) are one of the largest and most violent Asian criminal street gangs in the U.S. The Tiny Rascals are composed of at least 60 structured and unstructured gangs, commonly referred to as sets, with an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 members and associate members who have adopted a common street gang culture. Most members of the Tiny Rascals are Asian-American males. Tiny Rascal sets are most active in the Southwestern, Pacific and New England regions of the U.S. The Tiny Rascals are involved in the street-level distribution of powdered cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and methamphetamine. Tiny Rascal members are also involved in other types of criminal activity including assault, drive-by shooting, extortion, home invasion, robbery and theft.
The Tiny Rascal Gangsters (Tiny Rascals) The Tiny Rascal Gangsters (Tiny Rascals) are one of the largest and most violent Asian criminal street gangs in the U.S. The Tiny Rascals are composed of at least 60 structured and unstructured gangs, commonly referred to as sets, with an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 members and associate members who have adopted a common street gang culture. Most members of the Tiny Rascals are Asian-American males. Tiny Rascal sets are most active in the Southwestern, Pacific and New England regions of the U.S. The Tiny Rascals are involved in the street-level distribution of powdered cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and methamphetamine. Tiny Rascal members are also involved in other types of criminal activity including assault, drive-by shooting, extortion, home invasion, robbery and theft.
The Tiny Rascal Gangsters (Tiny Rascals) The Tiny Rascal Gangsters (Tiny Rascals) are one of the largest and most violent Asian criminal street gangs in the U.S. The Tiny Rascals are composed of at least 60 structured and unstructured gangs, commonly referred to as sets, with an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 members and associate members who have adopted a common street gang culture. Most members of the Tiny Rascals are Asian-American males. Tiny Rascal sets are most active in the Southwestern, Pacific and New England regions of the U.S. The Tiny Rascals are involved in the street-level distribution of powdered cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and methamphetamine. Tiny Rascal members are also involved in other types of criminal activity including assault, drive-by shooting, extortion, home invasion, robbery and theft.
The Vice Lord Nation The Vice Lord Nation, which is based in Chicago, is a collection of structured criminal street gangs operating in 74 cities and in 28 states, primarily in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. Led by a national board, the Vice Lord Nation consists of an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 members, most of whom are African-American males. The main source of income for the Vice Lord Nation is derived from the street-level distribution of cocaine, heroin and marijuana. Members of the Vice Lord Nation also engage in other criminal activity including assault, burglary, homicide, identity theft and money laundering.
The Vice Lord Nation The Vice Lord Nation, which is based in Chicago, is a collection of structured criminal street gangs operating in 74 cities and in 28 states, primarily in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. Led by a national board, the Vice Lord Nation consists of an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 members, most of whom are African-American males. The main source of income for the Vice Lord Nation is derived from the street-level distribution of cocaine, heroin and marijuana. Members of the Vice Lord Nation also engage in other criminal activity including assault, burglary, homicide, identity theft and money laundering.
The Vice Lord Nation The Vice Lord Nation, which is based in Chicago, is a collection of structured criminal street gangs operating in 74 cities and in 28 states, primarily in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. Led by a national board, the Vice Lord Nation consists of an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 members, most of whom are African-American males. The main source of income for the Vice Lord Nation is derived from the street-level distribution of cocaine, heroin and marijuana. Members of the Vice Lord Nation also engage in other criminal activity including assault, burglary, homicide, identity theft and money laundering.
Street Gangs are located throughout the United States, and their memberships vary in number, racial and ethnic composition, and structure. Large national street gangs pose the greatest threat because they smuggle, produce, transport, and distribute large quantities of illicit drugs and rely on extreme violence. Local street gangs often imitate the larger, more powerful national gangs in order to gain respect from their rivals.
In the long term, lossely organized street gangs threaten increase their role in trafficking drugs, particularly involving the smuggling of drugs into the United States and develop relationships with international criminal organizations and drug-trafficking organizations (DTOs).
Updated November 15, 2023
Topic
Violent Crime
Component or Office