Fact Check: Mara Salvatrucha is also known as MS-13.

Fact Check: "Mara Salvatrucha is also known as MS-13."

What We Know

Mara Salvatrucha, commonly referred to as MS-13, is an international criminal gang that originated in Los Angeles, California, during the 1980s. The name "Mara Salvatrucha" is derived from a combination of slang terms; "Mara" translates to "gang" in El Salvador, while "Salvatrucha" reflects the Salvadoran heritage of its members (Department of Justice Fact Sheet on MS-13, MS-13 - Wikipedia).

The gang was initially formed to provide protection for Salvadoran immigrants against other gangs in the Los Angeles area but has since evolved into a more traditional criminal organization with a significant presence in the United States and Central America (Department of Justice Fact Sheet on MS-13).

Analysis

The claim that "Mara Salvatrucha is also known as MS-13" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Department of Justice explicitly states that MS-13 is an abbreviation of "La Mara Salvatrucha" (Department of Justice Fact Sheet on MS-13). Furthermore, Wikipedia corroborates this by noting that the gang is widely recognized by the acronym MS-13, which reflects its full name and origins (MS-13 - Wikipedia).

Both sources are reliable; the Department of Justice is a government entity that provides factual information regarding criminal organizations, while Wikipedia, although user-edited, cites numerous references and is generally considered a reliable starting point for information on widely known topics.

The consistency across these sources reinforces the accuracy of the claim. Additionally, the use of the acronym MS-13 in various law enforcement and academic discussions about the gang further validates that this is a commonly accepted nomenclature (MS-13: A Gang Profile).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The assertion that "Mara Salvatrucha is also known as MS-13" is accurate. The name MS-13 is indeed an abbreviation of Mara Salvatrucha, as confirmed by multiple authoritative sources, including the Department of Justice and Wikipedia. The evidence presented demonstrates a clear and consistent understanding of the gang's identity and nomenclature.

Sources

1. Department of Justice Fact Sheet on MS-13
2. MS-13 - Wikipedia
3. Department of Justice Fact Sheet on MS-13 (PDF)
4. Archived: 2 National MS-13 Gang Leaders, Other ...
5. Two National MS-13 Gang Leaders and Other ...
6. MS-13: A Gang Profile
7. MS-13 Members and Associates Indicted in Racketeering, ...
8. MS-13 - ORGANIZED CRIME SPOTLIGHT - NJ.gov