The gangs’ rapid rise into challengers to urban authorities is something that we will see again elsewhere. This dynamic is already at work in American cities in the rise of MS-13, a rapidly expanding transnational gang with a loose organizational structure, a propensity for violence, and access to millions in illicit gains. It already has an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 members, dispersed over 31 U.S. states and several Latin American countries, and its proliferation continues unabated, despite close attention from law enforcement. Like the PCC, MS-13 or a similar American gang may eventually find that it has sufficient power to hold a city hostage through disruption.
http://www.city-journal.org/html/coming-...13026.html
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Jill Westmoreland Rose, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina announced that 37 members of the street gang “La Mara Salvatrucha” or “MS-13” have been indicted by a federal grand jury on racketeering conspiracy charges Wednesday morning...
‘There is a gang problem in Charlotte,’ [North Carolina] U.S. attorney says
“As outlined in today’s indictment, the alleged MS-13 gang members have committed numerous violent crimes, including armed robberies, assaults, and murders, for the benefit of the criminal enterprise. Today’s charges send a clear message to gangsters who think their gang affiliation puts them beyond the law’s reach. Prosecutors and law enforcement officers will continue to work hand-in-hand to identify and prosecute gang offenders whose violent acts create mayhem in our streets and devastate communities,” said Westmoreland Rose.
“The arrest of these MS-13 gang members is part of a coordinated law enforcement effort to eradicate gang violence in North Carolina. Innocent families should not suffer because of the callous and violent actions of others. The FBI will pursue those criminal offenders who impact the safety and stability of our neighborhoods, no matter their gang affiliation,” said John Strong, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Charlotte.
“Transnational criminal gangs like MS-13 inflict untold damage in our communities by engaging in violence and trafficking in drugs, weapons and even human beings,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Atlanta. “This lengthy investigation has uncovered alleged crimes ranging from petty drug deals to capital murder. There is no doubt that North Carolina communities will be safer as a result of these arrests.”
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/homelan...l/52876777