Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2011

Transcription

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2 Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2011 A State Intelligence Estimate Produced by the Texas Fusion Center Intelligence & Counterterrorism Division Texas Department of Public Safety In collaboration with other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies November

3 Executive Summary Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2011 The key analytic judgments of this assessment are: Gangs represent a significant public safety threat to the State of Texas and are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime in our communities. Of incarcerated members of Tier 1 and Tier 2 gangs, more than half are serving a sentence for a violent crime, including robbery (25 percent), homicide (15 percent), and assault/terroristic threat (13 percent). The Tier 1 gangs in Texas are Texas Mexican Mafia (estimated at 6,000 members), Tango Blast (8,000 members), Texas Syndicate (3,800 members), and Barrio Azteca (3,000 members). These organizations pose the greatest gang threat to Texas due to their relationships with Mexican cartels, large membership numbers, high levels of transnational criminal activity, and organizational effectiveness. Mexican cartels continue to use gangs in Texas as they smuggle drugs, people, weapons, and cash across the border. Members of Tier 1 gangs have been recruited by the cartels to carry out acts of violence both in Texas and in Mexico. Cartel connections are not limited to Tier 1 gangs. For example, members of the Partido Revolucionario Mexicano, a Tier 3 gang, were contracted by the Gulf Cartel in an October 2011 incident that resulted in a law enforcement officer in Hidalgo County being shot and wounded. Gang activity in Texas is growing, with the current number of gang members possibly exceeding 100,000; national gang membership estimates have increased 40 percent over the past two years. More than 2,500 gangs operate throughout the state, ranging from small gangs with few members and limited geographic reach to large gangs composed of thousands of members operating in all regions of Texas. Some gangs focus their recruitment on juveniles, seeking them out on the internet and in schools and neighborhoods. Gangs are responsible for a significant portion of juvenile crime in Texas. Gang members accounted for more than half of all juvenile commitments to the Texas Youth Commission in 2010, while one in seven formal referrals to juvenile probation in Texas involves a juvenile confirmed or suspected to have a gang affiliation. 2

4 Table of Contents Title Page 1 Executive Summary 2 Table of Contents 3 Acknowledgments 4 Overview of State Intelligence Estimates 5 Preface 6 Introduction 7 Prioritization and Criteria 8 Law Enforcement Strategies 12 Regional Assessments 14 Gang Organization 19 Gang Relationships 22 Gang Involvement in Criminal Activity 24 Outlook 27 Appendix 1: Overview of Significant Gangs 28 Appendix 2: Other Contributing Agencies 53 References 59 3

5 Acknowledgments Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2011 The Texas Fusion Center collaborated with law enforcement and criminal justice agencies across Texas and the United States in the production of this State Intelligence Estimate. Their contributions were invaluable to developing a comprehensive assessment of the threat posed by gangs in Texas, and they represent the commitment among law enforcement and criminal justice agencies across the state to share information and intelligence in order to effectively combat crime and improve public safety. The Texas Fusion Center thanks the following agencies and centers for contributing to the production of this assessment. Office of the Attorney General, State of Texas Texas Department of Criminal Justice Texas Department of Public Safety, Border Security Operations Center Texas Department of Public Safety, Criminal Investigations Division Texas Juvenile Probation Commission Texas Youth Commission Federal Bureau of Investigation Federal Bureau of Prisons National Gang Intelligence Center U.S. Customs and Border Protection U.S. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations Houston HIDTA West Texas HIDTA South Texas HIDTA North Texas HIDTA Texas Border Sheriff s Coalition Austin Police Department Dallas Police Department El Campo Police Department Euless Police Department Farmers Branch Police Department Fort Bend Police Department Harlingen Police Department Houston Police Department Killeen Police Department Lubbock Police Department Missouri City Police Department Robstown Police Department San Antonio Police Department Sherman Police Department Bexar County Sheriff s Office Brazoria County Sheriff s Office El Paso County Sheriff s Office Fort Bend County Sheriff s Office Galveston County Sheriff s Office Nacogdoches County Sheriff s Office Nueces County Sheriff s Office Williamson County Sheriff s Office Dallas ISD Police Department Mesquite ISD Police Department It is also important to acknowledge the essential contributions of the many law enforcement agencies throughout Texas that routinely report gang and border-related incidents, which also contributed to this report. This includes Operation Border Star participants and agencies that contribute information to the TxGang database. These agencies are listed in Appendix 2. 4

6 Overview of State Intelligence Estimates The Texas Fusion Center developed the concept of State Intelligence Estimates in consultation with the National Intelligence Council, based in part on the model of the National Intelligence Estimate. State Intelligence Estimates are multi-agency assessments on issues relating to homeland security and public safety in Texas. They serve as the most authoritative and comprehensive analysis of these issues produced by the Texas Fusion Center, and they are designed to provide law enforcement and government officials with the most accurate evaluation of current intelligence on a given topic. State Intelligence Estimates are intended to provide an assessment on the current status of an issue, but they also include estimative conclusions that make forecasts about future developments and identify the implications for Texas. Unlike reports and assessments produced by an individual agency or center, State Intelligence Estimates draw on the information and expertise of multiple law enforcement and criminal justice agencies across Texas. Such an approach is essential to developing a comprehensive assessment of issues that affect the state as a whole. By incorporating the perspectives and information from multiple agencies, the Texas Fusion Center is able to produce assessments that support a proactive approach to the prevention of crime and terrorism. A key aspect of this process is the Texas Fusion Center Policy Council (TFCPC), which provides state-level coordination and policy guidance to fusion centers in Texas. The TFCPC is composed of representatives of each recognized fusion center operating in the state, including the statelevel Texas Fusion Center. These fusion centers serve as the primary framework for the statewide intelligence capability, maximizing the information sharing capability in Texas. 5

7 Preface This threat assessment is submitted to the Governor and Legislature of Texas in response to the requirements of Texas Government Code (e) regarding the Texas Fusion Center, which states: The gang section of the center shall annually submit to the governor and legislature a report assessing the threat posed statewide by criminal street gangs. The report must include identification of: (1) law enforcement strategies that have been proven effective in deterring gangrelated crime; and (2) gang involvement in trafficking of persons. In addition to meeting these requirements, this threat assessment provides a broad overview of gang activity in Texas. This assessment was produced by the Texas Fusion Center in the form of a State Intelligence Estimate. It includes the contributions of a wide range of law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in the state. The statements, conclusions, and assessments included in this report were reached based on a review and analysis of information from a variety of sources. 6

8 Introduction This assessment serves as an update to the Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010, which represented the Texas Fusion Center s first annual comprehensive evaluation of the gang threat in Texas. While many of the underlying trends and characteristics of gang activity have not changed since last year, this report includes relevant updates and more detailed information on several key aspects of gang activity. Quantitative information regarding gangs and gang activity is somewhat limited, and the available data is not necessarily comprehensive. For example, the number of gang members is dynamic, with gangs regularly seeking new recruits and existing members traveling or moving. Some law enforcement agencies may vary in their reporting and awareness of gangs and indicators of gang activity. In addition, not all gang members are known to law enforcement, making the available information on identified gangs and gang members representative of only a portion of all gang activity. Finally, some law enforcement and criminal justice agencies currently maintain gang intelligence information in separate databases, several of which are not interoperable, creating impediments to the sharing of gang-related criminal intelligence information. In response to the requirements of Chapter 61 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the Texas Department of Public Safety has created the TxGang database to store information on gangs, and it is working with its local law enforcement partners to increase the level of participation. Despite these limitations, the available quantitative information combined with intelligence information derived from multiple sources provide a reliable overview of gang activity in Texas. The purpose of this assessment is to identify and evaluate the threat posed by gangs and gangrelated crime in Texas by examining several key aspects of gang activity. The first section offers an explanation of the criteria and factors that the Texas Fusion Center uses to assess the threat posed by an individual gang. The following sections examine law enforcement strategies, gang organizational issues, gang activity in various regions of the state, gang relationships, and an analysis of gang involvement in criminal activity. Finally, we present an outlook of gang activity in Texas. 7

9 Prioritization and Criteria Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2011 The Texas Fusion Center uses a threat assessment matrix to evaluate the threat posed by individual gangs on a statewide level. This matrix includes ten factors that are important in determining the threat posed by each gang. Each factor is rated using a weighted, point-based system in order to achieve a composite score. This composite score provides a measurement of the overall threat level of each gang. The most significant gangs are classified as Tier 1, with other significant gangs classified as Tier 2 and Tier 3. Considering that thousands of gangs operate in Texas, this threat assessment matrix is an essential tool in prioritizing the gangs that pose the greatest threat on a statewide scale. Figure 1: Texas Fusion Center 2011 Gang Rankings The rankings in Figure 1 show the threat posed by these gangs on a statewide level. The gangs that constitute the greatest threat to the state as a whole do not necessarily pose the greatest threat in every community. Similarly, the gangs that pose the greatest threat in one particular community may be local and not represent a threat elsewhere. Some of the gangs listed in Figure 1 are composed of multiple cliques that adhere to a common culture and identity, though the individual cliques may operate autonomously. In addition, the threat posed by any particular gang is often dynamic, and a threat assessment tool such as this is designed to be fluid. 8

10 Figure 2: Texas Fusion Center 2010 Gang Rankings In order to provide the most accurate assessment of the threat posed by gangs in the state, the Texas Fusion Center monitors gang-related information and updates the rankings at least on an annual basis. In addition, the 2011 rankings reflected in Figure 1 are based on two criteria that had not been used previously: the gang s presence in schools and its recruitment of juveniles, and the number of recent convictions associated with the gang. Adding these criteria and updating information regarding gang activity have resulted in changes in gang rankings since 2010, as shown in Figure 2. While some gangs have continued to occupy top tier rankings over the past year, the evaluation of these gangs is ongoing and will evolve over time as law enforcement works to reduce their effectiveness. The most noteworthy highlights regarding gang rankings from the past year include: Texas Mexican Mafia remains the primary Tier 1 gang in Texas. This ranking is based on its relationship with Mexican cartels, transnational activity, thousands of members, high levels of criminal activity, and other factors. In addition, Tango Blast, Texas Syndicate, and Barrio Azteca continue to represent the other Tier 1 gangs in Texas. Although Tango Blast s ranking has increased slightly -- in part due to its juvenile membership -- and Barrio Azteca has dropped slightly, these four Tier 1 gangs continue to constitute the greatest gang threats to Texas. 9

11 Sureños have risen from Tier 3 to Tier 2, based in part on recently available information regarding the movement of members of this gang from other states to Texas. Sureños also account for a significant portion of juvenile gang activity and they have a presence across much of the state. Bloods and Crips have also risen from Tier 3 to Tier 2. These changes are due to several factors, including their large membership numbers and their presence in schools. Although these gangs are composed of a large number of cliques that often have little or no connection to each other, which limits their ability to effectively operate at a statewide level, these gangs account for a significant portion of gang activity in many communities. Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, Latin Kings, Bandidos, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), and Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos remain the other Tier 2 gangs in the state. Although these gangs vary in size and structure, they are responsible for a significant portion of gang activity across multiple regions, and they represent significant threats to Texas. The factors included in the Texas Fusion Center s threat assessment matrix include: Relationship with Cartels: This factor examines the extent to which a gang is connected to Mexico-based drug cartels. A gang may be assessed as having no relationship, a temporary or short-term association, or a long-term business venture or exclusive relationship. Transnational Criminal Activity: This factor considers whether or not a gang has transnational criminal connections, as well as whether the gang s criminal activity has spread into the transnational realm. Level of Criminal Activity: This factor rates the type and frequency of crimes perpetrated by the gang. Crimes are rated on a scale covering a range of offenses, from misdemeanors to felonies. Level of Violence: This factor assesses the overall level of violence perpetrated by the gang in its criminal activity. It ranges from generally non-violent offenses, such as money laundering, to crimes involving extreme violence, such as torture and murder. Prevalence Throughout Texas: This factor determines the extent to which a gang is active throughout the state. The geographic reach of some gangs is limited to specific cities or regions of Texas, while others are widespread across the state. Relationship with Other Gangs: This factor examines the nature of a gang s alliances and influence with other gangs. This may include limited and temporary contact or formal alliances, whereas some gangs exercise direct oversight over other gangs. Total Strength: This factor assesses the known size of the gang, measured by the number of individuals confirmed by law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to be 10

12 members of the gang. This number is almost always an underrepresentation of the true size of the gang, as many members are unknown to law enforcement. Statewide Organizational Effectiveness: This factor examines the gang s effectiveness in organizing members under its leadership across the state. Presence in Schools: This factor considers the extent to which the gang recruits juveniles and is active in schools, as gang recruitment of juveniles is a unique threat to the state. Recent Convictions in TDCJ: This factor considers the number of convictions that each gang has registered within the past 18 months in the state corrections system, which provides an indicator of the quantity of criminal activity for which the gang has been responsible. 11

13 Law Enforcement Strategies Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2011 The multi-jurisdictional and ever evolving threat posed by transnational organized crime requires a fully integrated approach to impact the most problematic gangs in Texas. It is essential to understand that transnational organized crime operates under no one specific structure; these organizations can vary from highly structured hierarchies, to family networks or clans, or loosely affiliated cells. To effectively reduce this threat requires the employment of a variety of initiatives that harness the various capabilities of local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as both state and federal prosecutors. Combining intelligence, patrol, investigative and prosecution resources is essential for any strategy to be effective. In order to disrupt the gangs that have a more mercurial cell-like structure, it is necessary to deploy a more fluid, reactive law enforcement initiative that targets the variety of criminal activities being committed. In order to combat the more traditional hierarchical organized crime groups, it is necessary to conduct long term, in-depth criminal enterprise investigations that target mid-level and senior gang leadership and their operational networks. This strategy includes the use of financial accountants to identify the financial structure of these transnational criminal organizations in order for law enforcement to more effectively seize their assets, sever their access to the financial system, and expose their criminal activities operating behind legitimate businesses. Working together from the onset of these investigations, investigators and prosecutors must continue to successfully exploit all available state and federal statutes that can aid in the successful prosecution of senior and mid-level leadership. For example, use of Conspiracy (Texas Penal Code Section 15.02) applies aggregate amounts of evidence against all participants, which can be used to prosecute upper-level participants who have kept themselves at arm s length from criminal acts they have ordered. In addition, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Texas Penal Code Section 71.02) provides prosecutors a tool to enhance penalties for members of a criminal combination or criminal street gang. Multi-agency partnerships among law enforcement and prosecutors at the local, state and federal level are essential to fully disrupt and render ineffective the gangs that constitute the greatest threat to Texas. Using this approach, law enforcement agencies in Texas have successfully collaborated during the past year in multiple investigations designed to disrupt and deter gangrelated criminal activity. Below are several examples of recent successful gang operations and investigations that involved multiple agencies. February 2011: At least 11 members of Texas Syndicate, a Tier 1 gang, were arrested during Operation Blue Ice, which targeted the gang s drug trafficking activities in Austin, Laredo and Brownsville. The investigation revealed connections between Texas Syndicate and the Gulf Cartel and resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of drugs. 1 March 2011: Thirty-five members and associates of Barrio Azteca, a Tier 1 gang, were charged in an indictment unsealed on March 9. The indictment included counts of racketeering, murder, drug offenses, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. The defendants included 10 Barrio Azteca members that were charged with the March

14 murder in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, of a U.S. Consulate employee, her husband, and the husband of another U.S. Consulate employee; one of the defendants was extradited from Mexico to the United States on August The indictment describes the connection between Barrio Azteca and the Juarez Cartel. 3 April 2011: Twenty members and associates of multiple gangs were arrested in Corpus Christi during a two-day operation associated with the national Operation Community Shield. The gang members were affiliated with nine gangs, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 gangs such as Texas Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, Sureños, and Aryan Brotherhood of Texas. 4 June 2011: Sixty-seven suspects were arrested during a five-day operation that targeted foreign-born gang members and their associates throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The suspects were associated with 18 gangs, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 gangs such as Tango Blast, Sureños, Crips, Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, Latin Kings, and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). 5 July 2011: Sixteen members of Texas Mexican Mafia, a Tier 1 gang, were arrested and charged in an indictment unsealed on July 14. The suspects were charged with federal drug offenses. Search warrants executed in association with the investigation resulted in the seizure of firearms, cash, and drugs. 6 August 2011: Nine members of Texas Mexican Mafia, a Tier 1 gang, were arrested and charged in an indictment unsealed on August 9. The indictment charges that the defendants, based in Hondo, Texas, conspired to extort money from drug traffickers through the coercive collection of a ten percent drug tax, which was enforced by acts of violence. 7 August 2011: Seven members and associates of Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), a Tier 2 gang, were charged in an indictment unsealed on August 11. The defendants were charged with multiple counts, among them the 2011 murders of three people, including two minors. 8 13

15 Regional Assessments Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2011 Although there are challenges associated with measuring gang activity, we assess that the number of gang members in Texas is increasing and currently may exceed 100,000. This estimate is consistent with available information on gang membership nationally and within Texas. The National Gang Intelligence Center, for example, estimates in 2011 that there are 1.4 million gang members nationwide -- a 40 percent increase from More than 2,500 gangs have been identified in Texas, though the true number of gangs is likely larger than the number that has been identified by law enforcement. These range from small gangs composed of few members with limited geographic reach to large gangs with thousands of members active throughout Texas and elsewhere. Figure 3: Concentration of gang activity in Texas 9 Indeed, gang activity remains widespread throughout all regions of Texas. While the greatest concentrations of gang activity tend to be in the larger metropolitan areas, gang members are also present in smaller cities and rural areas. Gang activity is also prevalent in the Texas counties adjacent to Mexico and along the key smuggling corridors, as Texas-based gangs are used for cross-border smuggling and trafficking in the state. Many transnational gangs operating in Texas -- such as Texas Mexican Mafia, Barrio Azteca, MS-13, and others -- engage in criminal activity in Mexico as well as in Texas and elsewhere. Figure 3 provides an overview of where gang activity is concentrated in Texas. 14

16 In addition to being widespread, gang activity also varies between regions. Many smaller gangs operate in limited areas of the state. For example, the gangs that are most active in the Texas Panhandle may not be the most significant gangs operating along the Rio Grande Valley. On the other hand, several of the largest and most significant gangs are present across multiple regions. Figure 4: Regional Map of Texas The following summaries provide an assessment of the most significant gangs operating in various regions of Texas. Some of the most significant gangs at a regional level are not necessarily the most significant at a statewide level. In addition, a gang s prevalence throughout Texas is only one of the factors used to assess its overall threat. Region 1 Most Significant Gangs: Tango Blast (D-Town, Foritos), Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, Sureños. Region 1 includes the counties in northeastern Texas, with Dallas-Fort Worth representing the most densely populated area. Tango Blast maintains a heavy presence in Dallas-Fort Worth and is largely concentrated in the central and western counties in the region. The Aryan Brotherhood of Texas is active in and around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Law enforcement agencies around the region have reported the presence of other gangs such as the Sureños, Crips (all cliques), MS- 13, Bandidos, Bloods (all cliques), Texas Syndicate, and Latin Kings. 15

17 Region 2 Most Significant Gangs: Tango Blast (Houstone), Texas Mexican Mafia, Southwest Cholos Region 2 is an area composed of counties in the eastern and southeastern portion of Texas, including the metropolitan areas of Houston, Beaumont, and Bryan-College Station. The Houston area Tango Blast clique, known as the Houstone, is the largest gang in and around the Houston area. Houstone members are also active in all counties surrounding Harris, especially in those counties south of Harris. The Texas Mexican Mafia has a strong presence in Region 2, and the Houston area street gang known as the Southwest Cholos, along with the Crips and the Bloods, are responsible for a considerable amount of criminal activity in this region. Other gangs reported by law enforcement in Region 2 are the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, Texas Syndicate, and Latin Kings. Region 3 Most Significant Gangs: Texas Mexican Mafia, Tango Blast (Corpitos, Vallucos), Texas Syndicate Many of the most prominent prison gangs are found throughout Region 3, which includes the south Texas counties on the Texas-Mexico border. Large and well-established gangs such as the Texas Mexican Mafia, the Texas Syndicate, and the Tango Blast clique in Corpus Christi (Corpitos) and the Rio Grande Valley (Vallucos) are among the most significant gangs in the region. The Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos is also active throughout much of the region. Other notable gangs are the Sureños, Bandidos, Raza Unida, Partido Revolucionario Mexicano, Paisas/Mexicles, Bloods, Texas Chicano Brotherhood and Tri-City Bombers. Region 4 Most Significant Gangs: Barrio Azteca, Sureños, Bandidos Region 4 is located in west Texas and shares a significant portion of the border with Mexico. The most significant gang in the region is Barrio Azteca, operating primarily in the El Paso area. Other significant gangs active throughout the region are the Sureños and Bandidos. Other noteworthy gangs are the Texas Mexican Mafia, Latin Kings, and Gangster Disciples. The Aryan Brotherhood of Texas and Aryan Circle are active in the Midland-Odessa and San Angelo areas. Region 5 Most Significant Gangs: Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, Tango Blast (WTX), Texas Mexican Mafia Region 5 includes the counties in northwest Texas. The most significant gangs are the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas and the Tango Blast clique known as WTX (West Texas), as they have a pervasive presence throughout the region. The Texas Mexican Mafia is another significant gang with a large presence in the region. Other gangs with a presence are Barrio Azteca, Texas Syndicate, and Crips. 16

18 Special Focus: Juvenile Involvement in Gangs While gang members include both young and old, some gangs in Texas focus their recruitment efforts on young people, seeking them out on the internet and in our schools and neighborhoods. Gang members are responsible for a significant portion of juvenile crime. Approximately one in seven formal referrals to juvenile probation in Texas involves a juvenile confirmed or suspected of having a gang affiliation. 10 Gang members account for an even higher percentage of young people committed to the juvenile corrections system. Although the total number of new commitments has declined each year since 2006, the percentage of commitments with gang affiliation has increased: 51 percent of new commitments in 2010 were known gang members, up from 46 percent in 2009 and 2008; 47 percent in 2007; and 41 percent in Compared to juveniles that are not affiliated with gangs, juvenile gang members are more likely to commit weapon-related offenses, burglary, probation violation, and violent crimes such as assault, robbery, and kidnapping. Among juveniles committed to a state facility in Texas, gang members are more likely to be re-arrested and re-incarcerated than are non-gang members. The geographic distribution of juvenile gang members in Texas generally is consistent with that of all gang members, as seen in the map below. However, juvenile gang activity appears to occur disproportionately along the Texas-Mexico border. For example, the 14 Texas counties adjacent to Mexico represent approximately 9.7 percent of the Texas population, yet since 2008, these counties have accounted for 21.8 percent of felony referrals of juveniles with confirmed gang affiliation and 14.3 percent of other referrals of juveniles with confirmed gang affiliation. 12 Juvenile membership is more common in some gangs than in others. The majority of juvenile gang activity is associated with large street gangs, such as Tango Blast, MS-13, Latin Kings, Sureños, Bloods, and Crips. Many prison gangs, such as Texas Mexican Mafia, Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos, and Texas Syndicate, tend to have lower levels of juvenile involvement. 17

19 Region 6 Most Significant Gangs: Texas Mexican Mafia, Tango Blast (Orejones and ATX) Texas Syndicate Region 6 includes the area of central Texas and is home to hundreds of established gangs. The most significant gangs are Texas Mexican Mafia (with a pervasive presence throughout San Antonio), Texas Syndicate, and Tango Blast cliques in Austin (ATX) and San Antonio (Orejones). Other significant gangs found in this region include the Bloods and Crips (all cliques), as well as the Sureños, Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, and Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos. Gangster Disciples have a reported presence in the Killeen area. 18

20 Gang Organization Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2011 Gangs in Texas continue to employ a variety of organizational and leadership models. These models vary in the extent to which the organization is centrally or hierarchically organized. Although the various models are unique, one is not necessarily more effective than another. Several of the Tier 1 gangs, for example, use different organizational models. These models are: Paramilitary models include a hierarchical structure with clear distinction between ranks, which often include military titles such as general, captain, lieutenant, sergeant and soldier. Senior leaders are able to issue orders to subordinates that are generally carried out as instructed. Gangs using this model include Texas Mexican Mafia and Barrio Azteca. Regional Cell models are composed of several cells that are part of the same organization, but that act generally independent of one another at an operational level. Each cell may have a strict internal hierarchy similar to a paramilitary model, though between cells there is little coordinated command and control. Texas Syndicate is an example of a Texas gang with a regional cell model. Cliques of gangs tend to adopt a common culture and identity, but have few tangible connections to each other. Each clique may have a senior member that acts as a leader, and larger cliques may have a more structured hierarchy. In some cases, cliques of the same gang may work in opposition to each other. Examples of clique-based gangs are Bloods, Crips, and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). Loose Affiliation gangs have relaxed membership requirements and little to no detectable leadership hierarchy. This model tends to be the most dynamic, allowing for rapid growth while simultaneously limiting the extent to which groups of members can be effectively managed. Tango Blast is an example of a Texas gang with a loose affiliation model. In addition to organizational and leadership models, other factors play an important role in how gangs operate and organize. Race and Gangs Many large gangs have membership based along racial lines. Examples of predominantly white gangs include Aryan Brotherhood of Texas and Aryan Circle; predominantly Hispanic gangs include Texas Mexican Mafia and Texas Syndicate; and predominantly African-American gangs include Gangster Disciples, Bloods and Crips. This aspect of gang organization is often described as a product of prison, where inmates may identify with others of their own race. Many of these gangs officially cite race as a reason for having organized, and some profess racial superiority over others. While individual members of these gangs may hold racial bias or prejudice, the gangs themselves often engage in business arrangements with gangs of another race when it is mutually convenient and profitable. Ultimately, gangs work with any group that will help further their criminal objectives. 19

21 Females and Gangs The majority of gang members in Texas are males. Females are estimated to account for between 10 and 20 percent of gang membership. Most females with gang affiliation serve in support roles, not as members; there are few gangs that allow females to serve as associates. The Latin Kings, for example, allows its females to serve as Latin Queens, which are considered part of the gang but without the same rights as the male members. However, females are continually moving from their support roles to more operational roles in the gang s criminal activity. Gang Recruitment Gangs continue to recruit members in prisons, in schools, on the internet, from smaller gangs and from within their own families. The prison system and county jails continue to offer recruitment opportunities of inmates who may join prison gangs for protection while serving time behind bars. Several prison gangs recruit for the sole purpose of having a majority population in order to defend against other gangs. Once recruited, most gangs require their members to serve the gang for life, though other gangs allow members to leave after being released from prison. Some gangs in Texas are recruiting juveniles in neighborhoods and schools, often making promises of money, fame and influence, while promising them that they will receive a minimal sentence if they are arrested and charged with an offense. Large gangs in Texas are also increasingly recruiting smaller gangs to commit specific crimes on the large gangs behalf. Smaller gangs, for example, may be recruited to steal vehicles that the large gang will use for its own purpose or send to Mexico where they will be used by Mexican cartels. Gang Identification Gangs use several ways to identify themselves as gang members, including tattoos, hand signals, colors and graffiti. Most gangs tend to use one or several standard symbols that can be incorporated into tattoos, patches, or graffiti to identify members and turf. These symbols are often associated with the gangs heritage or hometown, and may include an image or a combination of numbers and letters. For example, Aryan Brotherhood of Texas uses the numbers 12 to represent the first and second letter of the alphabet, AB. Other gangs use the telephone area code of their home town. While some gangs continue to display tattoos and insignia that conspicuously show affiliation with the gang, others conceal the symbols within other tattoos to avoid being detected by law enforcement. Hand signals and the wearing of similar colors also serve as a way for gang members to identify each other. Some of these signals and colors may be similar across gangs while others are unique. Graffiti is another common way for gangs to identify themselves and the territory that they claim. Messages that are etched or spray-painted on buildings or street signs may serve as a message from one gang to another regarding the boundaries of its turf. 20

22 Special Focus: Gangs and Social Networking Gangs in Texas are establishing a greater presence on social networking websites, with the majority of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 gangs represented on these sites. These sites represent an emerging forum for gangs to recruit new members, communicate internally, and engage in combative language with rivals. Websites depicting groups of gang members with large amounts of cash, expensive cars and the image of being a part of a group are designed to attract prospective new members. Gang-related pages on social networking websites often attract hundreds of followers, some of whom voice support for the gangs. These pages include photographs of gang members, tattoos, colors, hand signals, graffiti, weapons, money, drugs, and other gang-related activity. Video-sharing websites also include content associated with gangs. Some of these videos appear to have been produced by gang members as a way to brag about the gang s exploits or advertise to prospective members. Other videos are commercially produced episodes of documentary television series about gangs, though even these videos have been accompanied by viewers comments that sometimes evolve into arguments of one gang s superiority over another. These wars of words have the possibility to move out of cyberspace and onto the street, where they can escalate to violent encounters. Gang members also use social networking websites communication tools to send messages to each other. These communication tools provide an additional forum for gang members to discuss criminal activity, such as drug deals or attacks on rivals. Gang members may prefer these tools as a means to communicate covertly, as they may perceive them to be more difficult for law enforcement to monitor. As social networking websites continue to grow and attract new users, it is likely that gangs will also expand their presence and use of these sites. This online activity represents an increasing threat, especially regarding the recruitment of young people in Texas. 21

23 Gang Relationships Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2011 Relationships between gangs are unavoidable, given the areas in which gangs operate, their large membership numbers, and the nature of the criminal activity in which they are involved. These relationships range from alliances between gangs for mutual protection and profit to bitter rivalries between gangs that result in inter-gang violence. One of the most serious issues facing law enforcement and public safety officials is the fact that many gangs have developed relationships with Mexican cartels. Gangs working with the Mexican cartels are involved in a level of crime that affects the entire state. Their criminal activity is not just a problem for a specific city or region. All Tier 1 gangs and most Tier 2 gangs are connected to the cartels. In certain instances, these gangs are contracted to commit assassinations, kidnapping and assaults in Texas and Mexico on behalf of the cartels. In one case in 2010, for example, Mexican cartel members hired a member of a Texas prison gang, along with a prospective gang member, to carry out the murder of an individual in Texas accused of stealing drugs from the cartel. Some gangs work with multiple cartels. The Tier 2 gang Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos (HPL), for example, has been reported to be connected to the Gulf Cartel, Los Zetas, the Sinaloa Cartel, and the Juarez Cartel. At this time, it is unclear whether these connections will be sustained as long term alliances between the gang and the cartels or if the relationships with some of the cartels will become stronger than with others. In addition to cartels recruiting gang members in Texas, Mexican cartel operatives have also reportedly joined Texas-based gangs. Two Texas teenagers, convicted on multiple counts for murder after confessing to be hired assassins for Los Zetas and currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, have reportedly joined the HPL in prison. This development represents an emerging aspect to gang and cartel relationships, and one that could continue to grow as Mexican cartels expand their presence in Texas. The fact that cartel members are joining Texas-based gangs represents a significant threat to Texas, as the cartel members could bring a new level of brutality and operational expertise to gang operations. From the perspective of the gangs and cartels, the benefits of these relationships are fairly obvious. From a public safety perspective, the danger of these relationships is equally obvious. The gangs increase their power and acquire wholesale quantities of drugs at reasonable prices, while the cartels extend their network of connections deeper into the United States. There is some variation in the nature of the gangs relationship with Mexican cartels. On one end of the spectrum, a gang serves as a U.S.-based extension of the cartel. In this way, the U.S. gang members regularly take orders from cartel leadership; facilitate the movement of people and drugs into the United States; procure weapons, vehicles and other material for the cartel; and carry out acts of violence and other criminal activity on the cartel s behalf. This type of relationship represents the most significant threat, as it involves an ongoing exportation of Mexican cartel violence and influence into the state. Of the significant gangs examined in this assessment, Barrio Azteca, has the strongest and most entrenched relationship with a Mexican cartel. 22

24 On the other end of the spectrum are gangs that interact only sporadically with Mexican cartels. In these cases, the gangs have no allegiance to any particular cartel and may work with a variety of Mexican organizations. These tend to be smaller gangs that do not need a regular supply of large quantities of drugs. Despite the irregular contact, each interaction has the potential to strengthen the connection between the cartel and the gang, increasing the likelihood that the relationship will increase. Between these two extremes are several large Texas-based gangs that have long-standing working relationships with Mexican cartels. In most cases, these relationships strengthen when the interests of the two organizations coincide; when they do not, there is no guarantee that the gang will comply with a request from the cartel. 23

25 Gang Involvement in Criminal Activity Gangs in Texas continue to engage in a wide variety of criminal activity. This activity ranges from non-violent property crimes, such as vandalism, to brutal violent crimes, such as murder and kidnapping. The overall extent of this activity is difficult to measure with great accuracy, though gangs are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime in Texas. The 2009 National Gang Threat Assessment, for example, reported that gangs may be responsible for as much as 60 percent of all criminal activity in some communities, 13 while the 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment stated that some jurisdictions in Texas and other states reported that gangs are responsible for more than 90 percent of crime. 14 One indication of the level of violence associated with gang activity is shown in Figure 5, which represents the offense of record for Tier 1 and Tier 2 prison gang members incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The offense of record is the offense that incarcerates the offender for the longest period of time. It shows that more than half of confirmed prison gang members associated with Tier 1 and Tier 2 gangs are serving a sentence for a violent crime, including robbery (25 percent), homicide (15 percent), and assault/terroristic threat (13 percent). Other significant categories include drug-related offenses (16 percent), burglary/larceny (14 percent), sexual offenses (6 percent), and weapon-related offenses (4 percent). Figure 5: Offense of record for incarcerated Tier 1 and Tier 2 gang members in Texas prisons 15 24

26 The fact that many prison gang members have committed multiple offenses may account for the relatively low numbers of other crimes in Figure 4. For example, a gang member that had committed both a kidnapping and a murder, and received a longer sentence for the murder, would not register in the kidnapping category. In addition, the data does not show whether the offender committed the offense as a gang member or if the offender became a gang member after becoming incarcerated. Furthermore, these offenses are not always an accurate representation of the crime that was actually committed; they may reflect a lesser charge that was reduced under a plea bargain. Regardless, this information underscores a simple reality: gang members in Texas are dangerous criminals responsible for violent and heinous crimes. Special Focus: Gangs and Human Trafficking Gangs in Texas continue to engage in human trafficking, contributing to the exploitation of victims in situations of forced labor and the commercial sex industry. The Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force 2011 Report to the Texas Legislature describes the current difficulties associated with measuring the scale of this crime in Texas. 16 These reporting difficulties continue to present challenges to establishing metrics that would accurately reflect the extent to which Texas-based gangs are involved in human trafficking. Despite the lack of comprehensive data regarding this crime, however, the available information leaves no doubt that gangs are committing human trafficking-related offenses in Texas. The nationwide Human Trafficking Reporting System, for instance, identifies 512 human trafficking suspects in Texas, of which 14 had known gang involvement, though this number is likely underreported. Other information suggests that gang members may be responsible for a significant portion of human trafficking-related crimes. For example, of the 49 inmates incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) with a conviction for trafficking of a person or compelling prostitution since 2005, seven have been documented as confirmed or suspected gang members, accounting for approximately 14 percent of these offenders. By contrast, only approximately 11 percent of all TDCJ inmates are confirmed or suspected gang members. The gang members that have been convicted of human trafficking-related offenses are affiliated with Tier 1 and Tier 2 gangs such as Tango Blast, Mexican Mafia, Bloods and Crips. Other gangs that have been reportedly involved in human trafficking include MS-13, which has a criminal network that extends from Central America throughout much of the United States. Some Texas-based gangs have also been reported to extort money from other criminals engaged in human trafficking. One recent case of gang involvement in human trafficking was the February 2011 joint investigation targeting human trafficking at Super Bowl XLV in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which resulted in 133 arrests. One of the traffickers that was arrested, a suspected gang member, was identified by law enforcement and charged after one of his victims who had been charged with prostitution told investigators that she was a trafficking victim. 17 Beyond human trafficking, some gangs in Texas also regularly engage in human smuggling, facilitating the transport of groups of illegal aliens across the Texas-Mexico border. Most Tier 1 and Tier 2 gangs are involved in human smuggling in Texas, as are other gangs in the state. Involvement in human smuggling provides an indicator of a gang s ability to engage in transnational criminal activity, as the movement of people from Mexico to Texas requires that the gang have a presence or criminal connections outside of the country. In some cases, these gangs have kidnapped the people they have smuggled, holding their victims for ransom in locations in Texas and brutalizing them in order to force their families to pay. 25

27 Another indication of the range of criminal activity that gangs commit comes from the TxGang database, which shows that of all gang-related arrests during the past decade, approximately 15 percent were related to violent crimes, including assault, homicide, kidnapping, and robbery, while approximately 25 percent were for property crimes and 24 percent for drug-related offenses. These statistics illustrate the threat posed by gangs in Texas, as well as their involvement in the drug trade. Much of this activity is coordinated by the gang and carried out on its behalf. However, many gang members frequently engage in criminal activity for personal gain that is not directly related to the gang or conducted for the purposes of advancing the gang. Even when they are acting on their own behalf, however, the gang members involvement in criminal activity is often facilitated by a network of criminal contacts that are made possible by gang membership. 26

28 Outlook Based on a review of current intelligence and knowledge of gang activity, we make the following assessments: The overall gang threat in Texas will likely remain high during the coming year, given estimated increases in overall gang membership in Texas and elsewhere in the United States. The gangs working directly with the Mexican cartels will continue to represent a particular threat to the state. This threat will likely increase as the nature of gang-cartel relationships continues to evolve. The threat posed by individual gangs will change over time. Although changes in gang leadership and the impact of law enforcement action will have an effect on a gang s ability to operate effectively, many of the Tier 1 and Tier 2 gangs will continue to constitute significant threats to Texas due to their large membership numbers, relationships with cartels, high levels of transnational criminal activity, and other factors. Juvenile gang membership may increase as gangs increase their presence in schools and on social networking websites. Large street gangs such as Tango Blast, MS-13, Latin Kings, Sureños, Bloods, and Crips will continue to have the highest portion of juvenile gang membership, though other large gangs may also increase their interest in recruiting young people. The focus on recruitment in the schools and over the internet increases the vulnerability of our youth to gang involvement. Mexican drug cartels will fight to maintain or increase their share of the lucrative drug and human smuggling market and Texas-based gangs will continue to play an essential role in supporting cartel operations on both sides of the border and likely seek to expand their existing networks in Texas by leveraging the gangs. The combination of expanding membership and increasing ties to Mexican cartels continues to increase the likelihood that gang-related violence in Texas will increase. The growing number of gang members and consequent shifts in gang territory increases the probability that gangs will use violence against each other as they compete for increases in market share and territory. Similarly, the cartel connections contribute to the possibility that gangs in Texas will expand their involvement in Mexican cartel violence that occurs in the state or in Mexico, either by carrying it out on behalf of the cartels or creating gang rivalries that mirror the gang alliances with rival cartels. 27

29 Appendix 1: Overview of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Gangs The following pages provide a more detailed overview of the most significant gangs in Texas, including an evaluation of each gang and the criteria used in the threat assessment matrix. Also included are maps showing the areas of the state where each gang s presence and activities are assessed to be most concentrated, based on information provided from multiple sources. The absence of shading on the map does not necessarily indicate that the gang does not have a presence there. 28

30 Tier 1: Texas Mexican Mafia Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2011 Texas Mexican Mafia (TMM), also known as Mexikanemi, is assessed to be the gang that poses the greatest threat in Texas. After the 2009 arrests of key members in San Antonio, the gang is slowly regaining its leadership strength and drug connections as prescribed in its official constitution. The TMM remains a serious threat to the state, both inside and outside of prison, and will continue to be a major threat as long as its members actively carry out criminal activities in the name of the gang. Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: Intelligence reports indicate that members of TMM have established long-term business ventures with the major Mexican drug cartels, such as the Gulf, Sinaloa, Juarez and Los Zetas cartels. Transnational Criminal Activity: TMM operates in both Texas and Mexico. Reporting indicates that TMM has active members residing in Mexico who are able to coordinate drug transactions with Mexican cartel members. These transactions promote the trafficking of drugs into Texas for distribution within and outside of the state. Level of Criminal Activity: TMM actively engages in an array of criminal activity including drug trafficking, extortion, home invasions, and murder. Gang investigations targeting TMM often meet the criteria to be charged under the racketeering influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) statute. Level of Violence: TMM members are known to use violence to enforce their demands. Members often engage in home invasions and extortion tactics that result in violent confrontations. TMM strives to operate under a low profile. In 2010, four members of the TMM in Hays County were charged for the stabbing death of a fellow member. The victim was stabbed 63 times. Prevalence throughout the State: Members are found throughout all areas of the state with the largest concentration located in San Antonio, Houston, and Austin and their surrounding areas. TMM also has a strong presence along the South Texas border from Del Rio to Brownsville. Relationship with Other Gangs: TMM established peace treaties and manifestos with most major Texas prison gangs and firmly maintains these relationships to date. Relationships with 29

31 other gangs are based upon respect for respect, or as needed in order to promote their criminal activities. Total Strength: The number of confirmed and suspected TMM members statewide is assessed to be over 6,000. Organizational Effectiveness: TMM utilizes a paramilitary-style hierarchy to conduct their operations within the prison system and in the free world. This organizational methodology facilitates the acquisition of money and drugs from and to its members throughout the state. Presence in Schools: Given TMM s background as a prison gang, it has a minimal presence in schools in Texas. 30

32 Tier 1: Tango Blast Tango Blast is assessed as a Tier 1 gang threat in Texas. This determination is based on the rapid growth of Tango Blast cliques, their high level of criminal activity and propensity for violence especially in border communities, and their relationships with Mexican cartels. Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: Current reporting indicates that Tango Blast cliques in the Rio Grande Valley (Vallucos) and Houston (Houstones) have the most consistent relationship with Mexican cartels, including the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas. Due to their location, the Vallucos clique likely has the strongest relationship with the cartels. However, it is believed that all Tango Blast cliques work on behalf of a cartel to some extent. Transnational Criminal Activity: Many Tango Blast cliques reportedly have engaged in transnational activity, particularly the Vallucos. The Vallucos have also been known to facilitate criminal activity across the border on behalf of other Tango Blast cliques. Some intelligence reporting indicates that safe houses may exist in Mexico for Tango Blast members who have been deported. Level of Criminal Activity: The various Tango Blast cliques actively engage in violent criminal activity, including murder, aggravated assault, and home invasions. They are also involved in vehicle theft, drug trafficking, larceny, burglary, and property damage. Recent information suggests that the Vallucos are also involved in human and weapons smuggling. Level of Violence: The various Tango Blast cliques regularly engage in a high level of violence, including aggravated assaults, home invasions, and murders. The Houstones are reported to be the most violent of all Tango Blast cliques. Prevalence Throughout the State: Tango Blast cliques have formed in all regions in Texas, but the strongest gangs are located in Houston, Dallas (D-Town), Austin, Fort Worth (Foritos), the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio (Orejon), Corpus Christi (Corpitos), El Paso, and West Texas (WTX). As the gang and its reputation have expanded, smaller Tango Blast cliques have begun forming in cities such as Victoria, Waco, Uvalde, and Grand Prairie. We assess that this growth may continue to occur in other cities as well. 31

33 Relationship with Other Gangs: Alliances and conflicts between Tango Blast and other gangs typically occur within the prison environment or the geographical region where the gangs are operating. Tango Blast commonly absorbs smaller, turf-based gangs into its organization. Traditionally, the Tangos do not have good relationships with other prison gangs, especially the Texas Syndicate, which has historically been a major controller of prison gangs. Recently, conflicts have begun to escalate between Tango Blast and the Texas Syndicate in federal and state prisons, as well as the free world. Total Strength: Currently, Tango Blast is assessed to have 6,000-8,000 members in the prison system and free world. Currently, estimated membership for each major Tango clique is as follows: D-Town (1000); Houstones (2544); Orejons (2109), Vallucos (320); ATX (377); and Foritos (227). However, it is believed that these numbers are actually much higher in each region. Organizational Effectiveness: Tango Blast does not have an established statewide hierarchy. Rather, the gang is loosely organized in each region and has limited communication between gangs within the same city or with other gangs in the state. However, that loose organizational structure enhances its ability to conduct criminal activity in each region and makes it more challenging for law enforcement to target them and disrupt their criminal activities. Presence in Schools: Because Tango Blast lacks a rigid hierarchical structure, has loose membership rules, and offers members a sense of belonging to something, Tango Blast can be alluring to school-aged youth. Members take advantage of that appeal to recruit juveniles to join the gang. Available information indicates an existing presence within Texas schools. 32

34 Tier 1: Texas Syndicate Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2011 Texas Syndicate (TS), also known as Sindicato Tejano or Ese Te, is assessed as a Tier 1 gang in Texas. It continues to display a propensity for violence and to engage in criminal activity with drug cartels. However, ongoing law enforcement operations throughout the state and the arrest of hierarchy members in Austin, Laredo, San Antonio, Galveston, Dallas and Corpus Christi have impacted their operations. Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: According to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, TS has established a drug trafficking and distribution relationship with various Mexican drug cartels, particularly with the Zetas. More limited business relationships with the Gulf and Sinaloa Cartels, as well as La Familia, have also been established. Transnational Criminal Activity: Based on information from multiple sources, TS members smuggled drugs such as marijuana and methamphetamine across the border and trafficked weapons for cartels to safe houses along the border to be taken to Mexico at a later date. TS members are also involved in human smuggling. Level of Criminal Activity: TS actively engages in a diverse range of criminal activity including burglary, extortion, home invasion, assault, robbery, murder, and drug trafficking. Level of Violence: TS members are known for their violent tendencies, particularly with rival gangs or members who stray outside the rules of the gang or attempt to defect. Information obtained from various law enforcement agencies recently indicates several confrontations occurred with Tango Blast members both inside and outside of the corrections system during the last year due to ongoing tensions between the two gangs. Prevalence throughout the State: Though TS has established itself within every region of Texas, organizational strongholds exist in metropolitan areas such as Laredo, Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Corpus Christi. The gang also has a strong presence in the smaller rural cities of the Rio Grande Valley. Significant concentrations of membership are also represented in Dallas, El Paso, Lubbock and Amarillo. Though their presence in these areas is noteworthy, their overall strength is significantly weaker. 33

35 Relationship with other Gangs: TS has been compelled to tolerate other prison gangs on a respect for respect basis as this furthers their criminal enterprises. However, tensions remain widespread, particularly with the Tango Blast cliques, as they pose the most serious threat in terms of numbers and possible violence. Total Strength: Based on information from multiple sources, TS membership is estimated to be approximately 3,800 members, including those incarcerated and in the free world. Organizational Effectiveness: TS remains a well-organized gang that uses a regional cell structure, has a written constitution, and set of rules that members are expected to follow. TS does not have a strong centralized authority; instead, it is organized along paramilitary lines in multiple areas, with each major city and each prison unit being run by a separate hierarchy of leaders. Presence in Schools: Given TS s background as a prison gang, it has a minimal presence in schools in Texas. 34

36 Tier 1: Barrio Azteca Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2011 The Barrio Azteca (BA) continues to be one of the most violent gangs operating within Texas and is assessed as a Tier 1 gang. The current state of violence affecting Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, largely attributed to the Juarez cartel and BA, has led to an increased focus by law enforcement to target and disrupt the gang. Resulting investigations have led to the arrests of key operational leaders of the BA both in the El Paso and Midland areas. Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: Recent reporting indicates that the BA still operates as one of the enforcement arms of the Vicente Carrillo Fuentes organization, also known as the Juarez Cartel. This relationship extends to the retail level distribution of drugs in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico as well as into West Texas. Transnational Criminal Activity: The BA gang is essentially separated by the international border into two factions. However, both the Ciudad Juarez faction and the El Paso faction maintain communications and operate their criminal enterprise in a manner that benefits their members on both sides of the border. Level of Criminal Activity: The BA continues to engage in all levels of criminal activities that include not only drug trafficking but crimes against property and persons. Level of Violence: BA members continue to display extreme levels of violence and are considered some of the most dangerous criminals in the area. They use violent offenses -- including murder, assault, kidnapping, and threats/intimidation -- to maintain control of their criminal enterprises and to fend off adversaries. Prevalence throughout the State: The BA is centered in the area of El Paso and Southern New Mexico. Investigative efforts conducted by law enforcement have identified active BA groups operating in Midland, Odessa, Plainview, and Lubbock. BA members have also been identified in the Houston area and throughout the state, but in a much more limited presence. Relationship with Other Gangs: The BA continues to maintain amicable relationships with many of the other street gangs that are present in El Paso. Recent reporting indicates that Sureño gang members with ties to Southern California are increasing in number in the El Paso area and are currently in conflict with BA. 35

37 Total Strength: Membership of the BA is assessed at over 3,000 members, including both inside and outside of prison. Organizational Effectiveness: The BA hierarchal structure has undergone some recent developments, though it remains essentially unchanged. Law enforcement initiatives targeting the BA have resulted in several key arrests of operational leaders. Presence in Schools: As a prison gang, BA recruitment is concentrated in prisons and not in schools. Few known BA members are juveniles. 36

38 Tier 2: Crips The Crips are a criminal street gang founded in Los Angeles, California, in the late 1960s. The name Crips does not define a single gang, but rather it is an identity with which many gang sets associate themselves. A 2009 report by the USDOJ lists their nationwide strength at 30,000-35,000 members. The Crips have maintained a documented presence in Texas since the mid- 1980s. Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: Current intelligence indicates that members of the Crips have only rare, opportunity-based interactions with cartels. Personal relationships, rather than gang affiliations or alliances, are the catalysts for these sparse, loosely-knit dealings. Transnational Criminal Activity: Law enforcement reporting points to a low level of transnational criminal activity among Crip gang members. While they are largely funded by drug distribution, they do not frequently obtain drugs directly from Mexico but rather from an intermediary source. There are no indicators at this time that the Crips engage in coordinated transnational criminal activity. Level of Criminal Activity: The various Crips sets engage in frequent and wide-ranging criminal activity, including vandalism, drug possession and distribution, larceny, burglary, money laundering, robbery, assault, and drive-by shootings. Reports of crimes committed by Crips gang members have been received from all over the state and for a vast array of opportunistic as well as premeditated incidents. Level of Violence: Crips routinely engage in all manners of violence. Crips do not contain their aggression to rival gangs and/or law enforcement resistance; the public at large is also in danger when unexpectedly crossing the path of these gang members. Prevalence throughout the State: While historically Crips have had a much more concentrated presence in urban environments, the high numbers already found in Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin show steady signs of spreading to suburban and rural areas. Crips gang members have been documented in all regions of Texas, with the heaviest concentration in East Texas. 37

39 Relationship with Other Gangs: The Crips are allied with the Gangster Disciples, Sureños, all of the variously-named Crips sub sets, and several other Folk Nation gangs. They are sworn enemies of the Bloods, and have antagonistic relationships with any Bloods supporters. Total Strength: There are over 3,800 confirmed Crips members identified in Texas. Organizational Effectiveness: The Crips do not employ a paramilitary structure with strictly ranked positions. Instead of a formal hierarchy, each set operates autonomously to effect business dealings efficiently for the gang. The primary money-making venture for the gang is the distribution and sale of illegal drugs. Presence in Schools: The presence of Crips in schools is a severe threat that requires the attention and involvement of administrators and police. In middle and high schools, Crips actively recruit new members and conduct gang business within the microcosm of the student environment. 38

40 Tier 2: Sureños Sureños originated in California in the 1970s as a gang confederation closely aligned under the umbrella of the California Mexican Mafia. As such, they often utilize the number 13 as a sign of respect to the California Mexican Mafia (the letter M, or Eme, being the 13 th letter in the alphabet). Although many gangs in Texas may use the Sureños name, not all of them are affiliated with the California-based confederation. We assess that Sureños will strive to establish a stronger presence in the state in the near future. Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: The main source of illicit income for Sureño gang members is the retail-level distribution of drugs. As such, some Sureño members maintain relationships with Mexican cartel associates in order to further their business objectives although these relationships tend to be temporary business relationships rather than exclusive long-term alliances with any particular cartel. For example, Sureños in the El Paso area are reportedly connected with the Sinaloa cartel. Transnational Criminal Activity: Based on information gathered from both federal and local agencies, members of the Sureños engage in various levels of criminal activity along the border, particularly crimes related to drug trafficking. Level of Criminal Activity: A full spectrum of crimes are committed by Sureño members, including from tagging and low-level property crimes to drug trafficking/distribution, alien smuggling, aggravated assaults, robberies, carjacking and murder. The majority of crimes committed by Sureño members are drug-related. Level of Violence: The level of violence committed by Sureño members is assessed to be moderate. In addition to targeting rival gang members, Sureño members have been known to commit crimes against the public as well. Prevalence throughout the State: Members are found throughout the state, but particularly in the Rio Grande Valley, Central Texas, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth and El Paso areas. The El Paso area has recently seen an increase in Sureño activity, including members moving into the area from California. 39