Gang-Related Violence in American Prisons

One of the most pressing threats to safety and security in American correctional facilities is gang-related violence. These institutions face numerous challenges stemming from gang activities, including drug trafficking, murder, extortion, gambling, and the misuse of religious freedom to promote hate. Racial enmity and extremism are significant contributors to this pervasive issue, leading to racial conflicts within the prison system. Some of the most notorious gangs involved in these activities include the Aryan Brotherhood, Black Guerilla Family, Folk Nation, Mexican Mafia, and MS-13.

Aryan Brotherhood

The Aryan Brotherhood, also known as the Brand or AB, is a notoriously dangerous white supremacist group and national crime syndicate. Founded in 1964 at San Quentin State Prison, California, by Irish bikers, the gang initially provided protection for white inmates in desegregated prisons. Today, it stands as one of the oldest, largest, and most lethal prison gangs in the United States, with an estimated 20,000 members both inside and outside prisons. The group's motto, "blood in, blood out," signifies the lifelong commitment expected of its members, with death being the only exit strategy. Members are identifiable by tattoos such as shamrocks, swastikas, and the numbers 88 and 666, symbolizing their extremist beliefs.

Despite comprising only 0.1% of the prison population, the Aryan Brotherhood is responsible for nearly 30% of homicides within the federal prison system, according to the FBI. Their criminal activities extend to drug trafficking, extortion, inmate prostitution, and contract killings, both inside and outside prison walls. The organization operates under a hierarchical structure, with a three-man commission overseeing activities at various levels. The group has formed alliances with other gangs, including the Gambino Crime Family, Irish Mob, and the Mexican Mafia, due to shared enmities with the Black Guerilla Family.

Black Guerilla Family

The Black Guerilla Family (BGF), also known as the Black Family or Black Vanguard, is an African American prison and street gang established in 1966 by George Jackson and W.L. Nolen at San Quentin State Prison. Inspired by the teachings of Marcus Garvey, the gang's mission was to eradicate racism, uphold dignity within the prison system, and challenge the U.S. government. With approximately 300 core members and 50,000 affiliates, the BGF is one of the most feared gangs operating today.

Members often display a BGF tattoo featuring a rifle crossed with a bloody sword or the numbers 276, representing the initials BGF. The gang maintains connections with various street gangs, such as the Symbionese Liberation Army, Gangster Disciples, Crips, and Bloods. The BGF's criminal activities include drug trafficking, murder, robbery, and extortion, with their influence extending across the East and West Coasts of the United States.

Folk Nation

Folk Nation, or simply Folk, is an alliance of American street gangs that originated in Chicago in 1978. Founded by the Black Gangster Disciple under the leadership of Larry Hoover, Folk Nation sought to unite black, Hispanic, and white gangs under one umbrella, with Hoover as the supreme leader. The alliance is diverse, with each gang retaining its unique signs and colors but showing allegiance to Folk Nation through shared tattoos and greetings like "All is one."

With over 50,000 members in Chicago, 200,000 across the country, and 600,000 nationwide, Folk Nation is a formidable presence. The majority of its members are black and Hispanic, but the alliance is open to all races, including white gangs and other ethnic groups. The gang's activities include drug trafficking, extortion, and murder, with Folk Nation responsible for a significant portion of violent crimes in prisons, particularly in Chicago and Florida. Folk Nation's influence even extends into the U.S. military, showcasing its far-reaching impact.

Mexican Mafia

The Mexican Mafia, also known as La Eme, is a highly organized Mexican American criminal organization founded by Luis "Huero Buff" Flores in 1957 at the Deuel Vocational Institution in San Joaquin, California. Members are identifiable by tattoos depicting a black hand or the national symbol of Mexico, an eagle and a snake atop a flaming circle over crossed knives. Their criminal activities span money laundering, arms trafficking, drug trafficking, kidnapping, racketeering, extortion, illegal immigration, fraud, and murder.

La Eme's alliances include MS-13, the Sinaloa Cartel, and the Aryan Brotherhood, while their rivals include the Crips, Bloods, Juárez Cartel, the Black Guerilla Family, and the Latin Kings. Despite efforts by the California Department of Corrections to transfer violent members to other facilities, La Eme remains the most powerful gang within the California prison system. Their ability to orchestrate hits from behind bars, including the murder of a correctional officer, underscores their influence and reach.

MS-13

MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha 13, is recognized as one of the most violent and dangerous gangs in the United States. Established in Los Angeles in the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants fleeing civil war, the gang aimed to protect its members from other gangs, particularly African Americans and Mexicans. With an estimated 60,000 members and associates nationwide, MS-13 maintains alliances with the Mexican Mafia, Yakuza, Sinaloa Cartel, La Familia Michoacán, and Los Zetas.

The gang's criminal activities include drug trafficking, racketeering, blackmail, money laundering, prostitution, and violent crimes such as rapes, kidnappings, and murders. Their operations are marked by extreme brutality, making them a formidable force in both street and prison settings.

Conclusion

The prison gangs discussed in this essay—Aryan Brotherhood, Black Guerilla Family, Mexican Mafia, and MS-13—are all extremely violent and organized. Despite differing beliefs, they share similarities in their organizational structure, intelligence, and efficiency. These groups have evolved from mere gangs into sophisticated criminal enterprises, operating with the precision and loyalty of corporations. The government's efforts to dismantle these organizations have been met with limited success, as they continue to thrive and expand their influence. The disruption caused by these gangs to correctional programming, inmate and staff safety, and institutional quality of life is profound. Recognizing these groups as more than just gangs is crucial; they are criminal enterprises that are intelligent, loyal, and diligent—forces to be reckoned with.

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