Fact Check: MS-13 is a transnational gang involved in violent crime.

Fact Check: "MS-13 is a transnational gang involved in violent crime."

What We Know

MS-13, also known as La Mara Salvatrucha, is recognized as a transnational gang primarily composed of individuals of Salvadoran and Central American descent. The gang operates in various countries, including the United States, where it has established numerous branches or "cliques" that engage in a wide range of criminal activities. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (source-5), MS-13 is notorious for its violent methods, which include murder, robbery, and drug trafficking. The gang's members are bound by strict rules that prohibit cooperation with law enforcement, and they often retaliate violently against perceived threats or disrespect from rival gangs or individuals.

A recent case highlighted the gang's violent operations, where three members were convicted of serious crimes including racketeering, murder, and attempted murder in aid of racketeering. The evidence presented in court detailed multiple instances of murder committed by these members to gain respect within the gang and to assert control over their territory (U.S. Department of Justice, source-5).

Analysis

The claim that MS-13 is a transnational gang involved in violent crime is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The MS-13 Gang Profile (source-1) outlines the gang's organizational structure and its reliance on violence to maintain power and territory. This profile emphasizes that MS-13 is heavily involved in illegal enterprises, which aligns with the violent actions reported in various criminal cases.

Furthermore, the FBI (source-6) categorizes MS-13 as one of the most violent transnational gangs, noting its involvement in extortion and other violent crimes. The gang's operations are not limited to the United States; they have a significant presence in Central America, which further supports the transnational aspect of their criminal activities.

While some sources may downplay the gang's drug trafficking role compared to larger drug cartels, they still acknowledge that MS-13 engages in various forms of violent crime to assert dominance and control (American University, source-2). This distinction does not negate the fact that MS-13 is involved in violent crime; rather, it highlights the complexity of its operations.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, as they include government reports, academic studies, and reputable news articles. These sources provide a comprehensive view of MS-13's activities and the violent nature of its operations.

Conclusion

The claim that MS-13 is a transnational gang involved in violent crime is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that MS-13 operates internationally and engages in a range of violent criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, to maintain its power and influence.