Research Paper on a Criminal Gang - Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)

Running head: RESEARCH PAPER 1
Research Paper on a Criminal Gang - Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
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RESEARCH PAPER 2
Abstract
In the present research paper, the functionalities of a popular Californian gang, Mara Salvatrucha
(MS-13) was explored. The central argument of the paper is that it an insight into gang behavior
of MS-13 can be obtained through the history of the gang, its criminal activities and its impact on
the communities. From the analysis, it is evident that, the MS-13 has its inception in poor,
refugee regions of 1980s Los Angeles, the gang’s expanse now ranges from Central American
countries like El Salvador, to Mexico, the U.S, Africa and Canada. The gang members steal,
extort, and threaten their way into communities and have involved themselves into transnational
violations, for example, human and drug trafficking. The communities, especially in Central
America face severe social crisis due to the criminal activities of the gang. The gang functions at
a transnational level.
Keywords: MS-13, U.S., El Salvador, Honduras, Central America, human and drug
trafficking

RESEARCH PAPER 3
Research Paper on a Criminal Gang - Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
Around the globe, the concept of gang has turned into a vital and debatable public issue.
In communities belonging to regions such Los Angeles, Rio, Cape town, London, the genuine
and projected threat from exceptionally unmistakable, street-based groups of youngsters is
overwhelming (Hazen & Rodgers, 2014). Gangs are portrayed as a criminal entity belonging to
various topographical areas, with the United States (U.S.) gang behaviors functioning as prime
example (Brotherton, 2015). Reflecting this pattern, analysts have progressively looked to review
the worldwide geology of groups through positivist philosophies that research the attributes of
gangs in various social settings (Fraser & Hagedorn, 2016). Such analysis will provide insight to
the functionalities of the gang and will reflect their behavior from a historical lens and focus on
their impacts on the socio-structural aspects of the communities. In the present research paper,
the functionalities of a popular Californian gang, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) will be explored.
The central argument of the paper is that it an insight into gang behavior of MS-13 can be
obtained through the history of the gang, its criminal activities and its impact on the
communities. Each of these two aspects are further explored in detail in the following sections.
History of the Gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
Gang behavior can be understood through its historical evolution. The MS-13 gang is
regarded as one of the most savage, dangerous and exceedingly systematized criminal
organizations in the U.S and Central America (White House, 2018). Initially founded in Los
Angeles and Washington D.C., the MS-13 members have spread across all the unions in the U.S
(Ortiz, 2012). The origins of MS-13 go back to the late 1980s and mid 1990s when the
Salvadoran civil war created a mass displacement to the U.S. (Ortiz, 2012). Originally, the
individuals from the gang belonged to a few distinctive Latin and Central American nations