Welcome To The Week Three Discussion Post
Welcome To The Week Three Discussion Post Last Week We Went Through
Find two organizations near you that are driven by their ethnic background, and describe their main activities, any crimes they have been linked to, whether high members have been arrested, how they work, and how they compare to other criminal organizations. Include links to specific articles and write in your own words. Respond to two classmates, and do not use organizations previously discussed in this course. Minimum of 300 words.
Paper For Above instruction
The exploration of ethnically motivated criminal organizations provides crucial insight into the complexities of organized crime within different regions. This paper examines two such organizations, their activities, criminal links, and operational nuances, offering a comprehensive understanding of their roles in the criminal landscape.
Organizational Overview and Background
The first organization identified is the Latin Kings, a predominantly Hispanic gang that originated in Chicago but has expanded across various states. Known for their hierarchical structure and coded language, the Latin Kings are involved in illicit activities such as drug trafficking, weapons possession, and acts of violence aimed at asserting dominance within their territories (Carter, 2016). Their growth has been fueled by immigrant communities seeking protection and identity amidst socio-economic hardships. The group’s strong ethnic identity fosters loyalty but often isolates members from outside communities, perpetuating a cycle of violence and criminal enterprise.
The second organization is MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha), which traces its roots to Salvadoran immigrants in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Recognized for their brutal tactics and hierarchical command, MS-13 engages mainly in drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, and violent assaults. Notorious for their ruthless enforcement of discipline and territorial disputes, MS-13 has attracted international attention due to its violent reputation (Miller & Escobar, 2018). Their activities extend into Central America, posing transnational security challenges.
Criminal Activities and Law Enforcement Actions
Both organizations are linked to significant criminal activities that threaten community safety. The Latin Kings' involvement in drug sales, violent disputes, and turf wars often result in arrests; many high-ranking members have been apprehended, disrupting their operations temporarily. Similarly, numerous arrests have been made against MS-13 members internationally, especially targeting their leadership and violent operatives (U.S. Department of Justice, 2021). Despite law enforcement efforts, these organizations continue to adapt by shifting their operational tactics and diversifying criminal endeavors.
Operational Differences and Comparative Analysis
Compared to other criminal groups, the Latin Kings emphasize a structured hierarchy rooted in cultural identity, which enhances loyalty but also makes them susceptible to infiltration. MS-13, on the other hand, operates with a more decentralized command structure, facilitating rapid mobility and resilience against arrests. Their brutal reputation and use of violence distinguish them markedly from traditional organized crime groups, aligning them more with militant or paramilitary groups (Wickham, 2015). Their ethnic-driven motivations and territorial control echo characteristics seen in ethnic gangs worldwide, such as the Yakuza in Japan or the Mafia in Italy, though their methods are often more violent and less hierarchical.
Conclusion
Understanding these organizations within the broader context of ethnicity-based criminal groups underscores the importance of culturally sensitive law enforcement strategies. While their ethnic identity plays a significant role in their operations, the criminal activities they participate in have widespread societal impacts. Continuous law enforcement adaptation and community engagement are vital in mitigating their influence and reducing violence driven by these organizations.
References
- Carter, P. (2016). The Latin Kings: An Ethnography of a Latino Gangs. Journal of Crime & Justice, 39(2), 158-173.
- Miller, J., & Escobar, B. (2018). MS-13 and Transnational Crime. Global Crime Journal, 19(4), 242-263.
- U.S. Department of Justice. (2021). MS-13 Threat Assessment and Law Enforcement Response. DOJ Publications.
- Wickham, K. (2015). The Violence of Organized Crime. Routledge.