Mara Salvatruca

Paper Summary:

The Mara Salvatruca (MS-13) is an American-made street gang that is currently considered by the FBI to be the United States' most dangerous gang. MS-13 has become entrenched in many parts of the US, Canada, Germany, and Great Britain. However the largest population growth has been in Central America, particularly El Salvador, through a continuous revolving deportation door. This paper identifies key characteristics that differentiate Mara Salvatruca from other gangs, particularly in relation to appearance, crime, and forms of violence. It makes the argument that MS-13 poses a triple threat as a highly organized, transnational, and third generation, or 3 Gen, gang. This paper then traces the gang's migration and criminal activities in three global domains: the United States, Canada, and El Salvador. It explores how the gang has evolved in each of these areas, and compares nationally-prescribed prevention, intervention, and rehabilitative measures applied to control the criminal activities and gang proliferation.

Outline:
Appearance, Crime, and Forms of Violence
Triple Threat
Inception and Growth in America
Deportation to El Salvador
Migration into Canada
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"MS-13 appearance and methods are distinct from rival gangs. Most members have traditionally donned tattoos on their upper bodies and often faces. The letters "M" and "S", as well as the numbers "13" printed in gothic script; the letters "SUR" meaning "sureno", or southern; a Salvadoran Pride emblem, or a skull, are signature tattoos that identify gang members (Domash, 2006; Bradley, 1998). Police heat is attracted by the obvious trademarks. In response, MS-13 members are becoming less conspicuous and blending in to the mainstream social landscape. Typically MS-13 members also wear white and blue clothing to be identified with the El Salvador flag, however it is the ones who dress in plain clothing and who do not flaunt tattoos that pose the most threat. The number 13 however, has more significance and gang members will adapt to avoid police attention by using other sets of numbers that equal 13 such as 67 or 76. Gang members also use a series of hand signals that shape the letters M, S, or other internally recognizable symbols (Domash, 2006)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Andrews, L. & Karpman, M. (2007). Cities share gang prevention strategies at San Jose Meeting. National League of Cities, 30(26), p1. Retrieved on June 14, 2008 from: www.nlc.org/.
• Artiste, B. (2008).Toronto: MS-13 gang 21 arrests. Now Public Crowd Powered Media. Retrieved on June 15, 2008 from www.nowpublic.com.
• Berger, S. (2007). Weingart Foundation Gang Prevention Initiative. Retrieved on June 13, 2008 from www.weingartfnd.org.
• Bolan, K. (2008). Refugee will await claim behind bars; Admitted killer, ordered deported to l Salvador. The Vancouver Sun, April 25, 2008, pA2. Retrieved on June 12, 2008 from: www.canada.com/vancouversun/news.
• Bradley, P. (1998). Officer employs carrot and stick approach. Richmond Times Dispatch, November 15, 1998, pS10.

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• Analytical Essay # 147583 : "Mara Salavtrucha Gang in South America"
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• Comparison Essay # 104677 : "Christianity, Buddhism and Evil"

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