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, initially formed to protect Salvadoran immigrants from other gangs. Over time, it evolved into a traditional criminal organization with a notorious reputation for extreme violence, and its history is closely tied to United States–El Salvador relations.
- origin
- Los Angeles, California, 1980s
- primary nationality
- Salvadoran, also Honduran, Guatemalan, Mexican, other Central and South Americans
- known for
- Extreme violence, use of machetes, rivalry with 18th Street gang, recruitment of minors
- initiation ritual
- Jumping-in (13-second beating); some cliques require murder
Lore & Background
MS-13 was founded in Los Angeles in the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants seeking protection from other gangs. The etymology of its name is disputed: some sources link it to La Mara street in San Salvador and the Salvatrucha guerrillas of the Salvadoran Civil War, while 'mara' means 'swarm' in Caliche slang and 'Salvatrucha' may combine 'Salvadoran' and 'trucha' (alert). The '13' is believed to stand for the letter M or to honor the Mexican Mafia. After the Salvadoran Civil War ended in 1992, many members were deported to El Salvador, spreading the gang to Central America. The gang is active in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central America, with most members being Central American, particularly Salvadorans.
Reader's Guide
MS-13's significance lies in its transformation from a local immigrant defense group into a transnational criminal enterprise with a reputation for extreme brutality. The gang's structure in the US consists of loosely affiliated cliques, while in El Salvador it is more centralized, with a command-and-control structure called the Ranfla Nacional established in 2002. Its legacy includes ongoing efforts by US and Central American authorities to combat its influence, as well as its role in shaping immigration and security policies.
Did You Know?
- The gang's initiation ritual involves a 13-second beating known as 'jumping-in'; some cliques require a murder for full membership.
- MS-13's weapon of choice is a machete, in contrast to other gangs that prefer guns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when did MS-13 form?
The group first emerged in Los Angeles, California, during the 1980s, originally created by Salvadoran immigrants to defend their community against rival street gangs. Over the decades it transformed from a protective street group into a full-scale international criminal enterprise.
What is the 'jumping-in' initiation?
New recruits must endure a thirteen-second beating by existing members as part of their entry into the organization. Some local factions go further, requiring a killing as a condition for full membership.
Who is MS-13's primary rival?
The 18th Street gang has been MS-13's most enduring and deadly adversary since both groups were active in Los Angeles. Their long-running conflict has driven much of the violence associated with both organizations across Central America and the United States.
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