The Shadow of “La Mara”: Unpacking the History and Persistence of MS-13 in America
MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, casts a long and ominous shadow across both the United States and Central America. Born from the tumultuous experiences of Salvadoran immigrants in the streets of Los Angeles in the 1980s, this national and transnational gang has grown into a formidable criminal enterprise, marked by its brutal violence and expansive reach. Understanding its history and the factors that have allowed it to thrive in America is crucial to comprehending the complex challenges it poses to law enforcement and communities. Adumbratio mortis, the foreshadowing of death, seems to cling to its very name, a testament to the fear it instills.
The genesis of MS-13 is deeply intertwined with the socio-political upheaval in El Salvador during its civil war (1979-1992). The violence and displacement caused by the conflict led many Salvadorans to seek refuge in the United States, particularly in Southern California (Britannica, 2023). However, these new arrivals often faced hostility and threats from established Latino gangs. In response, Salvadoran youth formed their own groups for protection and a sense of belonging. This nascent organization, initially focused on self-defense, gradually evolved into a criminal entity, adopting the name Mara Salvatrucha – “mara” meaning gang, and “salvatrucha” a slang term for street-tough Salvadorans (Department of Justice, 2017). The number “13” was later added, signifying their allegiance to the Mexican Mafia, a powerful prison gang that offered protection and guidance (Britannica, 2023).
The growth of MS-13 in America was further fueled by the mass deportations of criminal aliens in the 1990s. While intended to curb gang activity in the US, these deportations inadvertently sowed the seeds of MS-13’s expansion in El Salvador and other Central American nations (WOLA, 2017). Deported gang members, often possessing criminal skills and connections forged in the US, established and strengthened MS-13 cliques in their home countries. This created a transnational network, with lines of communication and influence stretching across borders. The lack of robust social services and economic opportunities in these regions provided fertile ground for recruitment, as vulnerable youth sought the sense of identity and power that gang membership offered (American University, 2023). Praemonitus praemunitus, forewarned is forearmed, yet the warnings about the potential consequences of mass deportations seemed to go unheeded.
MS-13’s criminal activities are diverse and devastating. At its core, the gang operates through intimidation and violence, employing murder as a primary tool to maintain control and enforce its will (Department of Justice, 2025a). They enrich their members through a range of illicit activities, including breaking into houses to steal firearms, jewelry, cash, and other valuables, and engaging in the distribution of narcotics (Department of Justice, 2025a). Extortion, particularly targeting vulnerable immigrant communities and local businesses, is another significant source of income (ICE, 2025). Beyond these local crimes, MS-13 is also involved in transnational illicit activities such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and weapons trafficking (CRS Reports, 2018). The gang’s reputation for extreme brutality, often involving gruesome acts of violence against rivals or those who defy them, serves to amplify their power and instill fear (FOX 5 DC, 2025).
The organizational structure of MS-13 is based on subsets known as “cliques,” which operate with a degree of autonomy within specific territories (CRS Reports, 2018). Each clique typically has one or more leaders, commonly referred to as “shot callers,” who direct local activities and report to higher-ranking members, particularly those incarcerated in the US and, increasingly, leaders in Central America (InSight Crime, 2023). While there is no single, centralized command structure akin to traditional organized crime syndicates, there has been increasing evidence of coordination between cliques, particularly in major metropolitan areas (Wikipedia, 2024). Recent reports indicate the emergence of a unified hierarchy known as the “U.S. Program,” led by incarcerated senior leaders known as “La Mesa” or “The Table,” further consolidating their influence (ICE, 2025).
MS-13’s presence in the United States is widespread, with a significant footprint in at least ten states and Washington, D.C. (Department of Justice, 2025a). Major branch locations include areas with large Central American immigrant populations, such as Los Angeles, California; the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area; Long Island, New York; Houston, Texas; and Boston, Massachusetts (FBI, 2008). However, their influence extends to numerous other states as well, with cliques often adapting to local criminal opportunities. The decentralized nature of the cliques makes it challenging to pinpoint every location, as they can emerge and dissipate based on various factors, including law enforcement pressure and migration patterns. The alea iacta est, the die is cast, and the gang’s tendrils have spread far and wide across the American landscape.
The question of why MS-13 has been allowed to thrive in America is multifaceted. Several interconnected factors have contributed to their persistence and growth. The initial influx of Salvadoran refugees, while seeking safety, created communities vulnerable to gang influence due to socio-economic challenges and a lack of integration support (WOLA, 2017). The subsequent deportation policies, as mentioned earlier, inadvertently strengthened the gang’s transnational capabilities. Furthermore, the gang’s ability to recruit within immigrant communities, often preying on vulnerable youth seeking belonging and protection, has sustained their numbers (Wikipedia, 2024).
Law enforcement challenges have also played a significant role. The decentralized structure of MS-13 cliques initially made it difficult for authorities to effectively target the entire organization. Language barriers and a lack of trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities have also hindered intelligence gathering and cooperation (WOLA, 2017). While federal and local law enforcement agencies have increasingly focused on combating MS-13 through task forces and joint operations, the gang’s adaptability and transnational nature continue to pose significant obstacles (Department of Justice, 2025c). The designation of MS-13 as a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) and, more recently, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) reflects the growing recognition of the severity of the threat (American University, 2023; Department of State, 2025).
The violent crimes committed by MS-13 are particularly heinous and have garnered significant media attention. Murders, often carried out with extreme brutality, serve not only to eliminate rivals but also to intimidate communities and enforce gang loyalty (ICE, 2025). Kidnappings, extortion, and assaults are commonplace in areas under their influence. The gang’s willingness to engage in such violence, coupled with their recruitment of young individuals, creates a cycle of fear and retribution that is difficult to break. The memento mori, the reminder of death, is a constant presence in the lives of those living in MS-13 controlled territories.
In conclusion, MS-13’s history is rooted in the displacement and vulnerability of Salvadoran immigrants, and its growth in America has been inadvertently fueled by deportation policies and sustained by its ability to recruit within marginalized communities. Its diverse criminal activities, decentralized yet increasingly coordinated structure, and widespread presence across multiple states pose a significant threat. The brutal violence associated with the gang leaves a chilling mark on communities and raises critical questions about immigration policies, law enforcement strategies, and the socio-economic factors that allow such criminal organizations to flourish. The fight against MS-13 is far from over, and a deeper understanding of its origins and evolution is essential to effectively dismantle its operations and protect vulnerable populations. The shadows of “La Mara” linger, demanding further scrutiny and decisive action.
References:
American University. (2023). Transnational Criminal Capacity of MS-13. Center for Latin American & Latino Studies. Retrieved from https://www.american.edu/centers/latin-american-latino-studies/transnational-criminal-capacity-of-ms-13.cfm
Britannica. (2023). Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mara-Salvatrucha
CRS Reports. (2018). MS-13 in the United States and Federal Law Enforcement Efforts. Congressional Research Service. Retrieved from https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R45292/2
Department of Justice. (2017). Department of Justice Fact Sheet on MS-13. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/d9/speeches/attachments/2017/04/18/department_of_justice_fact_sheet_on_ms-13_0.pdf
Department of Justice. (2025a, April 2). High Ranking MS-13 Leader and Fugitive Wanted For Multiple Murders Found and Arrested In Long Island. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/high-ranking-ms-13-leader-and-fugitive-wanted-multiple-murders-found-and-arrested-long
Department of Justice. (2025b, March 19). High-Ranking MS-13 Leader Arraigned in Long Island Federal Court on Terrorism and Racketeering Charges After His Arrest in Mexico. 1 Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/high-ranking-ms-13-leader-arraigned-long-island-federal-court-terrorism-and-racketeering
Department of State. (2025, March 31). More Foreign Gang Terrorists Deported Out of America. Retrieved from https://www.state.gov/more-foreign-gang-terrorists-deported-out-of-america/
FBI. (2008). National Gang Threat Assessment 2009. Federal Bureau of Investigation.
FOX 5 DC. (2025, March 27). What is MS-13? Here’s what we know. Retrieved from https://www.fox5dc.com/news/what-is-ms-13-gang-leader-arrested-virginia
ICE. (2025, February 27). 18 MS-13 Members, Associates Sentenced for 10 Murders, 7 Attempted Murders, Kidnapping, Drug Trafficking, Firearms Offenses. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Retrieved from https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/18-ms-13-members-associates-sentenced-10-murders-7-attempted-murders-kidnapping
InSight Crime. (2023). MS-13. Retrieved from https://insightcrime.org/el-salvador-organized-crime/mara-salvatrucha-ms-13/
WOLA. (2017, July 18). Seven Facts about MS-13 and How to Combat the Gang. Washington Office on Latin America. Retrieved from https://www.wola.org/analysis/ms-13-not-immigration-problem/
Wikipedia. (2024). MS-13. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-13
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