MS-13
International criminal gang originating in Los Angeles, known for extreme violence.
Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) is an international criminal gang that originated in Los Angeles, California, in the 1980s. Originally formed to protect Salvadoran immigrants from other gangs, it evolved into a traditional criminal organization and is known for its longstanding rivalry with the 18th Street gang. The gang's history is closely tied to United States–El Salvador relations, and it was officially designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization in February 2025.
- origin
- Los Angeles, California, 1980s
- membership
- 30,000 to 50,000 worldwide (2009 estimate); up to 10,000 in the U.S.
- primary nationality
- Salvadoran
- known for
- Violence, machete attacks, rivalry with 18th Street gang, recruitment of minors
- designation
- Foreign Terrorist Organization (as of February 20, 2025)
- active regions
- United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America
Lore & Background
MS-13 was founded in Los Angeles during the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants seeking protection from other gangs. After the Salvadoran Civil War ended in 1992, many members were deported to El Salvador, spreading the gang's influence to Central America. The gang's name may derive from La Mara, a street in San Salvador, and the Salvatrucha guerrillas, though the etymology is disputed. The '13' is believed to represent the letter M or to honor the Mexican Mafia.
Reader's Guide
MS-13's significance lies in its transformation from a local immigrant protection group into a transnational criminal enterprise with a reputation for extreme brutality. The gang's use of machetes, its targeting of minors for recruitment and violence, and its high-profile designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2025 underscore its impact on public safety and immigration policy. Despite accounting for less than 1% of U.S. gang members, its notoriety has shaped law enforcement strategies and U.S.-Central American relations. The gang's decentralized structure in the U.S. contrasts with its more centralized command in El Salvador, where it has been classified as a terrorist organization by the Supreme Court. Its legacy includes ongoing efforts to combat its influence through raids and international cooperation.
Did You Know?
- MS-13's initiation ritual involves being beaten for 13 seconds, known as 'jumping-in'.
- The gang's weapon of choice is a machete, unlike other gangs that prefer guns.
- In El Salvador, children are recruited while traveling to school, church, or work.
- The gang was officially designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization on February 20, 2025.
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