Texas Gang Threat Assement 2010

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Provided by http://MontgomeryTX.CountyMonitor.com



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

September 1, 2010

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Key Analytical Judgments

• Transnational gangs represent the most significant organized crime threat to the State of

Texas. The Mexican cartels are employing Texas-based gangs to support their criminal

operations on both sides of the Texas-Mexico border.

• Gangs recruit new members in our prisons and our schools and routinely engage in

murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, robbery, auto theft, burglary, drug trafficking,

weapons trafficking, prostitution, human trafficking and money laundering.

• The Mexican cartels now depend upon these gangs to conduct their drug and human

trafficking operations throughout the United States and to provide them additional

resources to combat rival cartels and the Government of Mexico. These gangs are

enlisted with the promise and delivery of enormous profits.

• Gangs are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime in our communities,

including as much as 60 percent in some areas. They seek to expand relationships with

regional and local gangs to increase their profits from wholesale and retail drug

distribution in Texas.

• As the Mexican cartels increase their reliance on transnational gangs in Texas to

support their criminal operations it is likely that the scope and degree of the gang

violence in our communities will increase, especially in our major urban areas.

• A state-wide investigative and prosecutive strategy that combines local, state and

federal information and intelligence to support multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency

criminal enterprise investigations and prosecutions as a unified effort would maximize

the impact on this escalating crime problem.

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Table of Contents

Title Page 1

Key Analytical Judgments 2

Table of Contents 3

Acknowledgments 4

Overview of State Intelligence Estimates 5

Preface 6

Introduction 7

Prioritization and Criteria 8

Gang Organization 10

Regional Assessments 13

Gang Involvement in Criminal Activity 18

Outlook 20

Appendix 1: Overview of Significant Gangs 21

Appendix 2: Law Enforcement Strategies 40

Appendix 3: Other Contributing Agencies 41

References 45

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Acknowledgments

The Texas Fusion Center Gang Section thanks the following agencies and centers for

collaborating 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.

Austin Police Department

Houston Police Department

Border Security Operations Center, Texas Department of Public Safety

Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Department of Public Safety

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Office of the Attorney General, State of Texas

Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of Justice

National Drug Intelligence Center, U.S. Department of Justice

It is also important to acknowledge the vital contributions of the hundreds of local law

enforcement agencies throughout Texas who routinely report gang and border-related incidents

that contributed to this report. This includes Operation Border Star participants and law

enforcement participants in TX GANG. These agencies are listed in Appendix 3.

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Overview of State Intelligence Estimates

The Intelligence & Counterterrorism Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety

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 vital 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 of the state's regional intelligence fusion centers and the

state-level Texas Fusion Center. These fusion centers serve as the primary framework for the

statewide intelligence capability, and maximize the fusion capability in Texas.

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Preface

This threat assessment is submitted to the Governor and Legislature of Texas in response to the

requirements of Texas Government Code 421.082 (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

gang-related 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 document were reached based on

a review and analysis of reliable information from a variety of sources. There are limitations

associated with gathering statistical information on gang-related activity. These limitations are

due in part to varying definitions of what constitutes a gang as well as variations in law

enforcement reporting and awareness of gangs and indicators of gang activitiy. In addition,

many law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in Texas currently maintain gang

intelligence information in separate databases, several of which are not interoperable. This

creates impediments to the sharing of gang-related criminal intelligence information.

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Introduction

The purpose of this assessment is to identify and evaluate the threat posed by gangs and gang-

related criminal activity in Texas, by examining several key aspects of gang activity. The first

section offers an explanation of the criteria and factors that are used to assess the threat posed

by an individual gang. The following sections examine gang organizational issues, gang

activity in various regions of the state, and an analysis of gang involvement in criminal

activity. Finally, we present an outlook of gang activity in Texas.

The Texas Penal Code, § 71.01 (d) includes this definition of criminal street gang:

"Criminal street gang" means three or more persons having a common

identifying sign or symbol or an identifiable leadership who continuously or

regularly associate in the commission of criminal activities.

In addition, this assessment recognizes other common definitions of traditional gang

categories. These categories are not necessarily exclusive of each other, and have limitations in

understanding the gang threat in Texas, as we discuss in the following section. However, it is

important to be aware of these definitions:

Transnational gangs are defined as gangs that regularly and systematically conduct

criminal activity across national borders. Though definitions vary among local, state,

and federal agencies, most are in agreement that the essence of transnational gangs is

that they transcend international boundaries in order to conduct criminal activity.

Prison gangs are defined as violent gangs that have a statewide impact and whose

influence and power originated or became strengthened in the prison system.1 These

gangs operate successfully both in prison and in the free world, with an emphasis on the

drug trade. Most prison gangs adhere to a constitution or a strict set of rules, and

maintain high membership levels by providing protection to fellow members and

through intimidation.

Street gangs are defined as groups of three or more persons who have a common name

or identifying sign or symbol and whose members engage in criminal activity.

Members of street gangs can exist within a distinct area, and they are present in urban,

suburban, and rural communities. Larger and more organized street gangs may operate

in multiple regions of Texas with some maintaining members nationwide.

Outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs) are defined as highly organized criminal

motorcycle clubs, whose members engage in violent crime, weapons trafficking, and

drug trafficking. National level OMGs often preside over a network of subordinate

local and regional “chapters” and are frequently represented in the prison population.

OMGs are also known to occupy legitimate private and government positions providing

access to sensitive information.

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Prioritization and Criteria

The traditional categories and types of gangs have significant limitations in threat evaluation.

Many of these categories overlap, and a particular gang may simultaneously meet the

definition of a prison gang and transnational gang.

The Texas Fusion Center has developed a threat assessment matrix to evaluate the threat posed

by individual gangs on a statewide level. This matrix includes nine 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 is then used to determine

the overall threat level of each gang. The most significant gangs are classified as Tier 1, Tier 2,

or Tier 3. The Tier 1 gangs are considered to pose the greatest threat on a statewide scale.

Figure 1: Texas Fusion Center 2010 Gang Rankings

The nine factors included in the 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

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relationship, a short term association, an extensive long term association, or that a gang

may function as a U.S.-based extension of a cartel.

• Contribution to Violence in Border Communities: This factor assesses the degree to

which a gang contributes to violence in border communities, ranging from no violence

to a high level of violence.

• 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 is rated upon the type and frequency of crimes

perpetrated by the gang. Crimes are rated on a scale covering a range of offenses, such

as vandalism, class B misdemeanors, felonies, and violent crime such as murder and

home invasion.

• 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. Some gangs are concentrated in 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. Gangs

with extensive alliances or control over other gangs pose a greater threat.

• Total Strength: This factor assesses the known size of the gang, measured in the

number of individuals confirmed by law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to

be members of the gang. This number is almost always an underrepresentation of the

true size of the gang, as many members may be unknown to law enforcement.

• Organizational Effectiveness: This factor examines the sophistication of the

organizational structure and communication mechanisms of the gang. Gangs may be

considered lacking in any organizational structure, loosely organized, semi-structured

with some hierarchical traits, or highly organized with defined hierarchical roles and

communication methods.

These criteria are designed to prioritize gangs that pose the greatest threat at a statewide level.

However, there may be several communities where the most significant state-level gangs do

not pose the greatest threat at a local level. Likewise, the most significant gangs in any

particular community do not necessarily rise to statewide significance. 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.

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Gang Organization

Gangs in Texas 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 frequently 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. For example, the Aryan

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Brotherhood of Texas, a white racist gang, has developed a business relationship with the

Mexican Mafia to acquire methamphetamines in Mexico.

Females and Gangs

The overwhelming majority of gang members in Texas are male. Women likely account for

less than 15 percent of all gang members,2 though female membership appears to be

increasing. Most women with gang affiliations serve in support roles and not as full members.

In these roles, they often transport drugs or purchase weapons for other members that may seek

to avoid being caught in possession of illegal substances, or may be legally prohibited from

purchasing firearms. In Mexico, females have become increasingly involved in the operations

of Mexican drug cartels, a trend that may have implications for Texas gang membership.3

Special Focus: Gangs' Relationships with Mexican Cartels

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 no

longer just a problem for a specific city or region. In certain instances, these gangs are contracted to

commit assassinations, kidnapping and assaults in Texas and Mexico on behalf of the cartels.

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

weapons 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.

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

evolve and develop a more violent purpose than simply trafficking drugs.

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. While these gangs do not necessarily act as U.S.-based extensions of

the cartels on a consistent basis, they have a history of carrying out assaults, kidnappings, and

murders in Texas on orders from the cartels.

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Gang Recruitment

Gang recruitment is concentrated in prison, in school, and even on the internet. In the prison

system and in county jails, inmates may join prison gangs for protection while serving time

behind bars, though most of these gangs typically recruit members to serve in the organization

for life and expect them to maintain membership after being released.

Many gangs maintain active websites or pages on video sharing and social networking sites.

These sites serve as a means for self-promotion, where they post propaganda about the gang,

threats to other gangs, or other information designed to recruit new members. Gangs' use of

these tools continues to be an evolving trend and one that is rapidly expanding as youth

continue to adopt technological innovations. Gangs also use the internet for communications to

support their criminal operations.

Gangs in Texas are also increasingly recruiting juveniles in schools, often making promises of

money, fame and influence, while ensuring them that they will receive a minimal sentence if

they are arrested. This trend has occurred throughout the state, though young people along the

Texas-Mexico border are particularly susceptible. In 2008, for example, young people from the

counties along the Texas-Mexico border accounted for just nine percent of the population of

Texas, but 18 percent of the felony drug charges and gang-related arrests.4

Large gangs in Texas are also increasingly recruiting smaller gangs to commit specific crimes

on the large gangs' behalf. Smaller gangs, for example, are frequently recruited to steal vehicles

that the large gang will use for its own purposes or send to Mexico where they will be used by

Mexican criminal organizations.

Gang Communication

Gangs use a variety of methods to identify themselves,

including tattoos, hand signals, colors, and graffiti. The vast

majority of gang members in Texas wear tattoos to identify

their gang affiliation. A gang's tattoos are often not identical

across members, but rather incorporate similar symbols or

numbers to distinguish the gang. Several gangs have instructed

their members to avoid getting tattoos, while others attempt to

conceal the gang-related symbols within other tattoos, to avoid

easy detection 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.

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Regional Assessments

Gang activity is widespread across Texas. Although gang membership is often concentrated in

larger metropolitan areas, gangs are also active in smaller communities throughout the state.

Figure 2 provides an overview of where gang activity is concentrated in Texas, based on

current information. It highlights a trend that has occurred over the past few years, in which

gang members increasingly have expanded from large urban areas into suburban and rural

communities. As a result, these areas are experiencing an increase in violence and gang-related

crime. Gangs moving into smaller communities can influence younger adults by introducing

and exposing them to gang-related crimes and providing a sense of camaraderie, which can

entice and appeal to juveniles and young adults.

Figure 2: Concentration of gang presence in Texas5

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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 3: 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 also only one of the nine factors used to assess its overall threat. For

example, Aryan Brotherhood of Texas is significant in four of the six regions of the state, but it

is ranked as a Tier 2 threat based on the other threat criteria. By contrast, Barrio Azteca is

found primarily in Region 4, but it is ranked as a Tier 1 gang due to other factors.

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Region 1 Most Significant Gangs: Tango Blast (D-Town and Foritos), Aryan Brotherhood of

Texas, Bandidos

Region 1 includes the counties in Northeastern Texas, with the Dallas-Fort Worth area

representing the most densely populated area. The region is home to many Hispanic and

African American gangs, as well as several white gangs. Tango Blast maintains a heavy

presence in Dallas-Fort Worth but is not prominent elsewhere in the region. Aryan

Brotherhood of Texas and the Bandidos are active in and around the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Others gangs with a more sporadic but notable presence throughout the region include the

Bloods (multiple cliques), Crips (multiple cliques), Bandidos, Texas Mexican Mafia, Sur 13,

Texas Syndicate, and Latin Kings.

Region 2 Most Significant Gangs: Tango Blast (Houstone), Aryan Brotherhood of Texas,

Bloods

Region 2 is composed of counties in East Texas including the metropolitan areas of Houston,

Beaumont, and Bryan-College Station. Tango Blast is the largest and most active gang in and

around the Houston area, with a less concentrated presence elsewhere in the region. Aryan

Brotherhood of Texas is active throughout much of the region, while Bloods (multiple cliques)

are mainly active in Houston and to a lesser extent in other areas of the region. There is also

strong and persistent presence of Texas Mexican Mafia, Crips (multiple cliques), while Latin

Kings, Surenos, Southwest Cholos, Vatos Locos, and Texas Syndicate are also known to

operate in the area but in lower levels than the more significant gangs.

Region 3 Most Significant Gangs: Texas Mexican Mafia, Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos,

Texas Syndicate

Many of the most prominent Hispanic gangs are active throughout Region 3, which includes

the South Texas border with Mexico. African American and white gangs are present in more

limited numbers. Large and well-established gangs such as the Texas Mexican Mafia,

Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos, and Texas Syndicate are the most significant gangs in the

region. Tango Blast (Vallucos) is also active throughout much of the region. The Tri-City

Bombers are represented in moderate numbers with lesser representations of dozens of smaller

Hispanic gangs.

Region 4 Most Significant Gangs: Barrio Azteca, Tango Blast (WTX and EPT), Aryan

Brotherhood of Texas

Region 4 is located in West Texas and shares a significant portion of the border with Mexico.

The most significant and most entrenched gang in the region is Barrio Azteca, which operates

primarily in the El Paso area but also in other communities throughout the region. Other

significant gangs active throughout the region are Tango Blast and Aryan Brotherhood of

Texas. El Paso also has a noteworthy presence of Folk Nation and Bloods, while Aryan Circle,

Latin Kings, Texas Mexican Mafia, and Texas Syndicate are active in the Midland-Odessa and

San Angelo areas. More recently, the Surenos have been seeking greater control in the region.

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Special Focus: Gangs and the Texas-Mexico Border

The area along the Texas-Mexico border represents a unique environment regarding gang activity.

Many of the gangs that are present in the area regularly engage in transnational criminal activity,

focusing on human smuggling, drug trafficking, and weapon smuggling. While the entire U.S.

Mexico border region has historically experienced high levels of drug trafficking and other

transnational criminal activity, this activity tends to be concentrated in certain sectors. Two such

sectors are the Rio Grande Valley and West Texas.

Several factors contribute to this concentration of activity along these parts of the Texas-Mexico

border. First, there is a high level of legitimate travel occurring in this area. Family and cultural ties

between residents of Texas border communities and towns in Northeastern Mexico contribute to the

high rates of legal cross-border traffic.

Second, the economic connection between Texas and Mexico results in a high level of legitimate

commerce, which is concentrated in the El Paso area and in South Texas. Texas plays an important

role in cross-border trade; the majority of Mexican exports to the United States are estimated to pass

through the state. Laredo and the Interstate 35 corridor account for a significant portion of this

activity. This environment of legal travel and trade is regularly exploited by Mexican drug cartels and

Texas-based gangs that use this activity as cover to smuggle contraband.

Finally, the area immediately across the border from Texas is steeped in the influence and violence of

Mexican drug cartels. No city in Mexico has seen more death and destruction at the hands of the

cartels during the past few years than Ciudad Juarez, just across the border from El Paso. Meanwhile,

towns such as Reynosa and Matamoros, in northern Tamaulipas state, are the traditional home of the

Gulf cartel and Los Zetas, which have been considered among Mexico's most powerful drug

trafficking organizations over the past decade. Similarly, Nuevo Laredo has served as a frequent

battleground between rival cartels seeking to expand their areas of influence and capture the city for

their use in smuggling operations. As such, these towns are characterized by a cartel presence that is

essentially ingrained, in an area immediately adjacent to Texas. It is these same cartels that seek to

expand their influence into the United States and to engage Texas-based gangs to support them.

The cartel presence in Mexico has significant security implications for the United States. These

concerns are amplified along the Texas border, given the area's proximity to Mexican cartel havens,

and these organizations' history of working with Texas-based gangs.

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Region 5 Most Significant Gangs: Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, Aryan Circle, Texas

Syndicate

Region 5 is located in Northwest Texas, where the most significant gangs are Aryan

Brotherhood of Texas and Aryan Circle, as they have a pervasive presence throughout the

region. Texas Syndicate is another significant gang with a large presence in the region. Other

prominent gangs present in two or more major metropolitan areas are Barrio Azteca, Tango

Blast, and Bandidos. The Mexican Mafia, Bloods, and Crips are also active but to a lesser

extent.

Region 6 Most Significant Gangs: Texas Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, Tango Blast

(Orejon and ATX)

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. Other gangs include Bloods (multiple cliques),

and Crips (multiple cliques). In addition, the national headquarters of the Bandidos is located

in San Antonio. Many smaller gangs are also present throughout Region 6.

Special Focus: Gangs and Prison

For many gang members in Texas, incarceration in the prison system is not the end of gang life.

Many members of prison gangs, and other gangs not traditionally known as prison gangs, actively

engage in criminal activity while behind bars. Prison gangs commonly control the distribution of

drugs within correctional facilities, and many also engage in drug trafficking outside of prison

Some gang leaders operate from behind bars, often having access to cell phones or communicating

through other means with gang members on the outside. Other times, prison gang members are

released with the understanding that they will continue to represent the gang and act on its behalf after

they are released.

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Gang Involvement in Criminal Activity

Gangs in Texas 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 in Texas may be responsible for as much as 60 percent of all criminal activity in

some communities, according to the 2009 National Gang Threat Assessment.6

Figure 4: Offense of record for incarcerated prison gang members in Texas prisons7

Another indication of the level of violence associated with gang activity is shown in Figure 4,

which represents the offense of record for 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 20 percent of confirmed prison gang

members are serving a sentence for homicide, more than for any other crime. Other significant

categories include robbery (19 percent), burglary/larceny (15 percent), drugs (13 percent), and

assault/terroristic threat (13 percent).

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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 engaged in violent and heinous crimes.

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 possibe by gang membership.

Special Focus: Gangs and Human Trafficking

Among the range of violent criminal activity that gangs in Texas are engaged in is human

trafficking. The challenges associated with measuring the true number of trafficking victims in

Texas also makes it difficult to estimate the extent to which gangs control human trafficking. The

Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force mandated by HB 4009 81st Legislature is charged

with collecting data on the nature and scope of this crime. The Task Force is working with law

enforcement agencies across the state to identify the appropriate mechanisms to report this data.

Cartels and gangs have increased their involvement in human smuggling because of its high profit.

As a result, the distinction between human trafficking and human smuggling has become blurred.

The transnational gang most known for its involvement in human trafficking is Mara Salvatrucha

(MS-13). The gang's extensive membership in the United States, Mexico, and Central America

provides it with the network to move victims against their will and to subject them to forced labor

and working in the commercial sex industry. Within Texas, the gang has also engaged in

"hijacking" groups of illegal aliens that had been smuggled by other criminal organizations. Gang

members transport and move these individuals against their will as they seek ransom payments

from their families.

In some areas, juvenile gangs are also engaging in human trafficking through the operation of sex

trafficking rings involving minors. Gang members use threats and violence to force minors into

prostitution rings. For example, in one case in Fort Worth, several teenage gang members forced

five minors to work as prostitutes in an apartment complex, while also physically and sexually

abusing them.8

Some Texas-based gangs are involved in human smuggling, which is sometimes viewed separate

from human trafficking. Many smugglers initially receive the victim's consent, but subsequently

hold them against their will and force them to perform labor to pay a debt or force young females

into prostitution.

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Outlook

Based on a review of current intelligence and knowledge of gang activity, we make the

following assessments:

• The overall threat posed by gangs in Texas, and particularly those gangs working

directly with the Mexican cartels, will likely remain at a high level, and it will likely

increase as current trends continue. The threat posed by individual gangs will likely

evolve over time, responding to changes in gang leadership and law enforcement

action.

• Gangs will continue to recruit new members in the prisons, and will likely expand their

recruitment activities in schools and on the internet. The continuation of these trends

would increase gang membership across the state. 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 primarily by leveraging the gangs.

• The combination of expanding membership and increasing ties to Mexican cartels

increases 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 also increase the

likelihood that gangs in Texas will expand their involvement in Mexican cartel violence

that occurs in the state, either by carrying it out on behalf of the cartels or creating gang

rivalries that mirror the gang alliances with competing cartels.

• Gang activity will continue to expand into suburban and rural communities. Large

metropolitan areas along major transportation corridors such as Houston, Dallas-Fort

Worth, and San Antonio will continue to be used by gangs as distribution hubs for drug

and human smuggling. Gang activity in Texas communities along the Mexico border

could increase in volatility, especially if drug cartel violence in Mexico continues to

escalate.

20



Appendix 1: Overview of Significant Gangs

The following pages provide a more detailed overview of the most significant gangs in Texas.

21



Texas Mexican Mafia

Tier 1

Texas Mexican Mafia (TMM), also known as Mexikanemi, is assessed as 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 their 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 their 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. According to some

information, TMM are considered “guns for hire” and will

work with any cartel. In Laredo, tensions between TMM and

Los Zetas have been reported, mostly due to lost drug loads

resulting in unpaid debts.

Contribution to Violence in Border Communities: The

presence of TMM members in and around the border

communities has contributed to violence in these areas. Most violent conflicts occur within the

gang as disciplinary actions and against victims who refuse to pay the TMM 10% tax.

However, reports of violence between TMM and rival gangs are generally low.

Transnational Criminal Activity: TMM operates successfully 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 criminal activity, including murder,

aggravated assault, extortion, home invasions, and trafficking. Members of the gang often meet

the criteria to be charged under the racketeering influenced and corruption organization

(RICO) statute.

Level of Violence: TMM is known for its propensity for violence. Members often engage in

home invasions and extortion tactics, which can result in violent confrontations. TMM is intent

on operating under a low profile, and it is likely that many incidences of violence go

unreported. In 2008, an indictment was returned alleging that 23 members conspired together

to further their criminal enterprise by committing 22 murders, one of which resulted in the

beating death of a TMM member with a hammer for withholding money from the gang.

22



Prevalence Throughout State: Members are found throughout all areas of the state, with the

largest concentration of members located in the areas of Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

Additional activity has been noted along the South Texas border from Del Rio to Brownsville.

Relationship with Other Gangs: TMM has established peace treaties and manifestos with

virtually all of the major prison gangs in Texas. Relationships with other gangs are based upon

“respect for respect.” TMM members sometimes develop working relationships with members

of other gangs in order to promote their criminal activities. In several prisons, TMM continues

to be in conflict with the large group of Mexican nationals known as “Paisas.”

Total Strength: The number of confirmed and suspected TMM members statewide is assessed

to be over 5,000, which is supported by documentation provided by various criminal justice

and law enforcement agencies.

Organizational Effectiveness: TMM utilizes a paramilitary hierarchy to conduct their

operations in the prison system and in the free world. This type of organizational structure

provides an opportunity for law enforcement to disrupt their criminal activities by focusing on

and eliminating their top leadership infrastructure.

23



Tango Blast

Tier 1

Tango Blast is assessed as a Tier 1 gang threat in Texas. This determination is based on the

rapid growth of Tango Blast gangs, 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 gangs 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 gang likely has the

strongest relationship with the cartels.

However, it is believed that all Tango Blast

gangs work on behalf of a cartel to some

extent.

Contributions to Violence in Border Communities: Based on law enforcement reporting,

Tango Blast cliques along the border greatly contribute to the violence that occurs in those

communities. The Vallucos and the El Paso Tangos (EPT) are the most prevalent along the

Texas-Mexico border and are more likely to engage in border violence.

Transnational Criminal Activity: Tango Blast gangs 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 gangs. Some intelligence reporting

indicates that there may be safe houses in Mexico for Tango Blast members who have been

deported.

Level of Criminal Activity: The various Tango Blast gangs actively engage in violent criminal

activity, including murder, aggravated assault, and home invasions. They are also heavily

involved in vehicle theft, drug trafficking, larceny, burglary, and property damage. Recent

intelligence suggests that Vallucos are also involved in human smuggling and weapons

smuggling.

Level of Violence: The various Tango Blast gangs regularly engage in a high level of violence,

including aggravated assaults, home invasions, and murders. The Houstones have been

reported to be the most violent of all Tango Blast cliques.

Prevalence Throughout State: Tango Blast gangs 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 gangs have begun

24



forming in cities such as Victoria, Waco, Uvalde, and Grand Prairie. It is assessed that this

growth will continue to occur in other cities as well.

Relationship with Other Gangs: Alliances and conflicts between Tango Blast and other gangs

typically apply only to the prison environment or to the operating region where the alliance or

conflict arose. However, the 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, as they encroach upon territory that has historically been

controlled by the prison gangs. Recently, conflicts have begun to escalate between Tango Blast

and Texas Syndicate in both federal and state prisons as well as in the free world.

Total Strength: Currently, the membership strength of the Tango Blast is assessed to be 6,000

8,000 members in the prison system and in the free world. The current estimated membership

for each major Tango gang is: D-Town (1000); Houstones (2544); Orejon’s (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.

They are loosely organized in each region and have limited communication between gangs

within the same city as well as with other gangs in the state. However, their loose organization

enhances their ability to conduct criminal activity in each region and makes it more difficult for

law enforcement to target them for disruption.

25



Texas Syndicate

Tier 1

Texas Syndicate (TS) 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 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.

Contribution to Violence in Border Communities: Members of

TS continue to be involved in violent behavior along the

border. They have been documented by law enforcement as

committing home invasion robberies against rival drug dealers,

in which they assault the dealers and steal their drugs or

money. TS members have also been suspected in several unsolved murders from the area of

Del Rio and Uvalde to the Rio Grande Valley.

Transnational Criminal Activity: Based on information from multiple sources, TS members

have been found to smuggle drugs such as marijuana and methamphetamine across the border.

Likewise, they traffic weapons for cartels to safe houses along the border and taken to Mexico

at a later date. TS members are also heavily involved in human smuggling.

Level of Criminal Activity: TS actively engages in a diverse range of crimes that includes

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 as well as members who stray outside the rules of the gang or attempt to defect.

Information obtained from various law enforcement agencies recently indicates there were

several confrontations with gang members of Tango Blast 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, strongholds have been established in metropolitan areas such as Laredo, Houston,

Austin, 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.

26



Relationship with other Gangs: TS has been compelled to tolerate other prison gangs on a

respect for respect basis as this mutual respect furthers their criminal enterprises. However,

tensions remain widespread with respect to the Tango Blast gangs, as they represent the most

serious threat in terms of number and possible violence.

Total Strength: Based on information from multiple sources, TS membership has been

estimated at approximately 3,800 members, including those who are incarcerated and those in

the free world. The TS criminal organization is expected to continue growing as they develop

plans and update rules to recruit more members.

Organizational Effectiveness: TS remains a well-organized prison gang that uses a regional

cell structure with a written constitution and set of rules that members are expected to follow.

Each area operates as an individual entity, allowing a more cautious environment that makes it

difficult for law enforcement agencies to disrupt the organization’s criminal pursuits.

27



Barrio Azteca

Tier 1

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. However, intelligence indicates that the BA is

able to quickly replace those arrested leaders.

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.

Contribution to violence in Border Communities: The

community of El Paso is the home base of the BA.

The law enforcement entities within this area have

documented incidents of violent criminal acts committed by BA members on both sides of the

international border.

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 its

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. Current investigative efforts being conducted by both law enforcement agencies in the

area have identified active BA groups operating in Midland, Odessa, Plainview, and Lubbock.

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

Sureno gang members, with ties to Southern California, are increasing in number in the El Paso

area and are currently in conflict with the BA.

28



Total Strength: The membership of the BA is assessed at over 3,000 members.

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. However, intelligence

indicates that these leaders are quickly replaced.

29



Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)

Tier 2

Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) represents a significant and growing threat to the state of Texas.

Recent orders to operate independently of other gangs and to conceal their gang affiliation

from law enforcement suggest intentions to become a dominant gang within the state of Texas.

Their propensity for violence, profit-based operations and intentions to increase their activities

within the state create opportunities for criminal enterprise and violent crimes. MS-13 is

currently assessed as a Tier 2 gang, mostly due to its relatively lower membership numbers.

Increased membership would likely result in a Tier 1 assessment of the gang.

Threat Criteria

Relationship with Cartels: Intelligence reporting reveals

that members of MS-13 have established a consistent

relationship with Mexican cartels, including the Sinaloa

cartel and Los Zetas. MS-13 has historically served in a

mercenary capacity for both of these organizations,

conducting directed kidnappings and assassinations.

Contribution to Violence in Border Communities:

Intelligence indicates that Los Zetas have traveled to El

Salvador for the sole purpose of recruiting hardened gang

members. If additional MS-13 members are recruited by

Los Zetas, their presence will increase on the border, as

will their contribution to border violence.

Transnational Criminal Activity: MS-13 is a transnational

gang with known cliques in the United States, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.

They are reportedly engaged in smuggling drugs, weapons, and people across the border.

Level of Criminal Activity: MS-13 actively engages in criminal activity including murder,

aggravated assault, kidnapping, extortion, home invasions and the smuggling/trafficking of

drugs, weapons and people. Intelligence indicates that they are continually participating

"coyote rips," in which they commandeer control of a group of human smuggling victims.

Level of Violence: MS-13 is known for its propensity for violence. Members often engage in

crimes such as aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and extortion. Additionally, information

indicates a high level of murder while in the commission of another offense.

Prevalence Throughout State: MS-13 cliques have formed throughout the state, with the

largest concentration of members located in Houston. Law enforcement has indicated that a

large number of MS-13 members travel through Texas while en route to the Northeast United

States.

Relationship with Other Gangs: MS-13 members have been known to join Tango Blast while

incarcerated. However, recent reports indicate that MS-13 members have been ordered to break

30



alliances with any gang other than MS-13 within the prison system, to include Mexican Mafia

and Tango Blast.

Total Strength: The number of confirmed and suspected MS-13 members statewide is assessed

to be over 500.

Organizational Effectiveness: MS-13 are loosely organized cliques with no known central

hierarchy. There is limited communication between cliques within the same city as well as with

other cliques in the state. Each clique has a leader -- referred to as a shot caller -- who makes

decision for that particular clique. It has been reported that MS-13 cliques in Texas follow

instructions from leaders in California and El Salvador.

31



The Almighty Latin Kings

Tier 2

The Latin Kings in Texas have experienced several setbacks due to increased law enforcement

actions to disrupt the gangs’ criminal activities. The focus on targeting the hierarchal leaders

appears to be effective in interrupting their illegal activity around the state. The Latin Kings

have a nationwide presence and recognize the significance of Texas as a prime strategic

location for providing a supply of drugs for the gang. We assess that the Latin Kings will strive

to reestablish a strong presence in the state and reorganize with a better understanding of how

to evade future law enforcement efforts to disrupt their activities. However, the Latin Kings

face considerable competition with Mexican Mafia and Texas Syndicate, who control most of

the lucrative drug routes.

Threat Criteria

Relationship with Cartels: Members of the Latin Kings

have a drug trafficking and distribution relationship

with Mexican drug cartels, though the gang does not

have an exclusive relationship with any particular

cartel. The gang has the capability to traffic wholesale

quantities of drugs obtained from traffickers in Juarez,

Matamoros, Mexicali, Nogales, and Tijuana.


Based on law enforcement reporting, Latin Kings

operating along the border contribute to the violence that occurs in those communities. For

example, in December 2008 law enforcement officials arrested Latin King members involved

in violent crimes, including murder and cocaine trafficking, from South Texas to Big Spring,

Lubbock, and Midland.

Transnational Criminal Activity: Based on intelligence gathered from both federal and local

agencies, members of the Latin Kings engage in trafficking drugs and weapons across the border

as well as human smuggling.

Level of Criminal Activity: A full spectrum of crimes are committed by Latin Kings members,

including drug trafficking/distribution, alien smuggling, aggravated assaults and drive-by

shootings, and murder. The majority of crimes committed by Latin King members are drug-

related. Members in the southern region of Texas work together with other members and other

gangs around the state to supply drugs for distribution, mainly cocaine and marijuana.

Level of Violence: The level of violence committed by Latin Kings members is high. In

addition to targeting rival gang members, Latin King members have been known to beat, stab,

and shoot their own members who disobey the gang’s rules or if an internal struggle for power

is detected.

Prevalence Throughout State: Members are found throughout the state, with the largest concentration

of members located in Uvalde, the Rio Grande Valley, Big Spring, Lubbock, and Bryan.

32



Relationship with Other Gangs: The Latin Kings do not presently have a formal alliance with

any particular gang. Law enforcement reporting indicates that members in the Rio Grande

Valley will work with any gang if it helps facilitate drug sales and they are often reported

working together with Tango Blast (Vallucos). Many Latin King members that are incarcerated

often join Tango Blast while they are incarcerated, and then return to the Latin Kings after they

are released.

Total Strength: Latin King membership in Texas is estimated at 7,000.

Organizational Effectiveness: Historically, the Latin Kings have used a strict hierarchy

supported by a written constitution called the King Manifesto. Intelligence reports indicate the

Texas Latin Kings adherence to the hierarchy varies between regions. In the Rio Grande Valley

area, a hierarchy is established but it is not rigid and absolute. Members work fairly

independently with little influence and instruction from ranking membership. On the other

hand, the Latin King hierarchy in Southeast Texas around Bryan-College Station reflects

stricter adherance to the constitution.

33



Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos

Tier 2

Despite the small size and the recent disruption by law enforcement operations, the Hermandad

de Pistoleros Latinos )HPL) remains a violent and formidable organization. Current

intelligence indicates that the gang is regaining strength and reorganizing. With its propensity

for violence and strong business relationships with Mexican drug cartels, the HPL will

continue to pose a significant ongoing threat to the state of Texas.

Threat Criteria

Relationship with Cartels: Current intelligence indicates

that HPL members operating in the Laredo and Nuevo

Laredo area have strong business connections with the Gulf

Cartel and Los Zetas. HPL members are believed to

purchase drugs directly from the Gulf Cartel and to work

with Los Zetas to facilitate the transport of drugs into

Texas.


Members of HPL continue to be involved in violent

behavior in border communities to which law enforcement has linked the HPL to numerous

drive-by shootings in the Laredo area. HPL members commit home invasion robberies against

rival drug dealers and assaults and murders against rival prison gangs as well as their own

rank-and-file members.

Transnational Criminal Activity: The Laredo-Nuevo Laredo corridor is considered an HPL

stronghold and provides a significant opportunity for drug and weapons trafficking as well as

human smuggling.

Level of Criminal Activity: The HPL actively participate in extreme levels of criminal activity,

including murder, aggravated assault, home invasions, and smuggling. HPL members are also

known to commit other crimes including kidnappings, prostitution, gambling rackets, money

laundering and burglaries.

Level of Violence: The HPL are known for their high level of violence. HPL members have

committed assaults and murders against rival prison and street gangs, as well as their own

rank-and-file members. In 2003, an HPL captain from Houston was killed and dismembered by

members of his own gang after they suspected he had cooperated with law enforcement.

Prevalence Throughout State: The membership of the HPL is most prevalent in prison

facilities across the state, with free world strongholds in Laredo and Houston and emerging

growth in Beeville, Corpus Christi and Victoria.

Relationship with Other Gangs: Current intelligence indicates that the HPL has entered into a

peace (respect for respect) treaty with the Texas Syndicate. The HPL is known to strike peace

34



alliances with other gangs in order to conduct illicit business. However, these agreements are

tenuous.

Total Strength: The number of confirmed and suspected HPL members is estimated at 1,700,

which includes incarcerated members as well as free world members on both sides of the U.S.

Mexico border.

Organizational Effectiveness: The HPL uses a rigid paramilitary hierarchy supported by a

written constitution, strict control mechanisms, intimidation, and violence. This combination

has created resilience within the HPL that has been able to withstand infighting and fluid

leadership.

35



Aryan Brotherhood of Texas

Tier 2

The Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) is a prison gang that first organized in the early 1980s

around a white supremacist belief system. Today, ABT operates inside and outside of the

prison system and claims that its racist ideology is secondary to its criminal interests. ABT is

most commonly linked to methamphetamine production and distribution, but members have

also been connected to theft, burglary, identity theft, credit card fraud and increasingly,

weapons trafficking. While not a major statewide threat when compared to other gangs, the

ABT is a large and persistent gang that will continue to pursue criminal activity.

Threat Criteria

Relationship with Cartels: There is some intelligence

indicating that certain individual ABT members have

relationships with Mexican drug cartels, but this appears to

be rare.

Contribution to Violence in Border Communities: There is

limited intelligence indicating that ABT is directly involved

in border violence.

Transnational Criminal Activity: Intelligence various

sources indicates there may be a trend toward cross-border

activity for the gang. ABT members have been found in

possession of Mexican methamphetamine and there have been some reports indicating that

ABT is trafficking both stolen weapons and vehicles into Mexico.

Level of Criminal Activity: The ABT is a highly violent group. Members are frequently

arrested for assault, sexual assault, kidnapping and murder. The gang is also well-known for

methamphetamine manufacture and distribution, theft and burglary. Also, in recent years, ABT

members have shown an increased interest in weapons trafficking.

Level of Violence: ABT is well-known for its violence but the overwhelming majority of

incidents, including kidnapping, assault and murder occur internally, with ABT most often

attacking fellow members. Also, there have been several incidents in which ABT members

either attacked police officers or threatened to do so.

Prevalence throughout the State: ABT divides itself into five regional commands with

members living in every part of Texas. The greatest concentration of ABT can be found in

Houston and Southeast Texas, but the gang also has significant members in Dallas-Fort Worth

and Northeast Texas.

Relationship with other Gangs: This year, ABT entered into a peace treaty with longtime

rivals the Aryan Circle. Additionally, the gang made a “respect for respect” agreement with the

Mexican Mafia and has been linked to the Texas Syndicate and Barrio Azteca.

36



Total Strength: Information from various sources, ABT membership is estimated at 3,500.

Organizational Effectiveness: ABT is not a highly effective organization despite its

paramilitary structure. A feud that divided the gang into factions in 2001 continues today; there

is little indication that reconciliation is likely. Furthermore, internal strife is rampant within

each faction as individual members constantly undercut and usurp one another in an effort to

gain rank. Widespread methamphetamine addiction among members is also a major factor

threatening ABT’s effectiveness.

37



Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang

Tier 2

The Bandidos OMG conduct their illegal activities as covertly as possible and avoid high profile

activities such as drive by shootings that many street gangs are prone to commit. They seek to

turn public sentiment in their favor by organizing frequent charity runs. These efforts could

contribute to less scrutiny by local law enforcement. The Bandidos OMG are likely to continue

boosting recruitment efforts to combat a possible Hells Angels incursion. This includes

bolstering their numbers within the gang itself as well as in their support clubs. The Bandidos are

likely to focus on recruiting new members with no criminal history. These members will allow

greater access to weapons and infiltration of government agencies that possess valuable personal

information in addition to law enforcement intelligence.

Threat Criteria

Relationship with Cartels: Past and present intelligence

reporting suggests that members of the Bandidos have a

business-type trafficking and distribution relationship with

Mexican drug trafficking organizations, though the gang does

not have an exclusive relationship with any particular cartel.

The gang has the capability to traffic wholesale quantities of

drugs obtained from traffickers in Mexico into the United

States.

Contribution to Violence in Border Communities: Although the

Bandidos have a business relationship with Mexican drug

cartels, the Bandidos are not a direct contributor to the violence

on the border. The Bandidos OMG seek to keep a low profile;

therefore, members try to avoid using public or excessive acts of violence.

Transnational Criminal Activity: Based on intelligence gathered from multiple sources,

members of the Bandidos engage in trafficking drugs and weapons across the border. Many

members travel internationally to conduct business.

Level of Criminal Activity: The Bandidos OMG is a criminal organization known to be

involved in a diverse mixture of criminal enterprises, including but not limited to theft,

extortion, prostitution, drug trafficking, and murder. While methamphetamines remain

popular among members, cocaine and marijuana are also widely used and distributed. With

chapters throughout the U.S. and the world, the Bandidos have a distribution network that

allows them to traffic drugs, weapons, and stolen motorcycles.

Level of Violence: Although Bandidos attempt to maintain a low profile to avoid scrutiny by

law enforcement, the gang will resort to violence to defend its territory and drug routes against

any intrusion. In the past, members have not been dissuaded from starting violent

confrontations in public places such as bars or rallies with individuals believed to be

disrespecting the gang.

38



Prevalence Throughout State: Bandidos have chapters across the state. The fastest growing and

largest concentration is in North Texas.

Relationship with Other Gangs: Bandidos do not have a formal alliance with any other street

gang. Bandidos will work with any criminal organization that will result in monetary gain.

Total Strength: The Bandidos Motorcycle Gang has an estimated membership of 2,000 to

2,500 persons in the United States and in 13 other countries. Law enforcement sources estimate

that the Bandidos OMG is one of the two largest outlaw motorcycle gangs operating in the

United States, with approximately 900 members belonging to 93 chapters.

Organizational Effectiveness: The Bandidos OMG are organized in a paramilitary structure.

The gang’s rigid hierarchy is due to a large number of its members being former military. This

structure allows the Bandidos to conduct their criminal activities proficiently and effectively.

39



Appendix 2: Law Enforcement Strategies

The multijurisdictional and expanding nature of the threat posed by violent transnational gangs

requires a fully integrated approach to impact the State’s most problematic gangs. Reducing

the gang threat will require a coordinated initiative harnessing local, state and federal law

enforcement, as well as prosecutors statewide. Combing intelligence, patrol, investigative and

prosecution resources to target mid-level and senior gang leadership and their operational

networks will maximize the impact on seemingly intractable criminal enterprises.

Establishing multi agency gang enforcement centers in high threat areas would enable the

effective and efficient execution of this strategy.

Working together, investigators and prosecutors can ensure that anti-gang cases successfully

exploit certain underutilized statutes that can aid in the successful prosecution of senior and

mid-level leadership. For example, Conspiracy (Texas Penal Code Section 15.02) applies

aggregate amounts of evidence against all participants. Section 15.02 can be used to prosecute

upper-level participants who have kept themselves at arms length from criminal acts they have

ordered. In addition, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Texas Penal Code Section

71.02) allows prosecutors to enhance penalties for members of a combination or criminal street

gang. As a result of applying under-used penal codes, law enforcement and prosecutors will be

able to maximize prosecutorial effect against higher numbers of defendants involved in

criminal gang enterprises.

40



Appendix 3: Other Contributing Agencies

Agencies participating in Operation Border Star are listed below.

Sheriff's Offices

COASTAL BEND RGV LAREDO DEL RIO MARFA EL PASO

Aransas Co SO Cameron Co SO Duval Co SO Dimmit Co SO Brewster Co SO El Paso Co SO

Bee Co SO Hidalgo Co SO Frio Co SO Kinney Co SO Culberson Co SO Dona Ana Co SO (NM)

Brooks Co SO Kenedy Co SO Jim Hogg Co SO Maverick Co SO Hudspeth Co SO Grant Co SO (NM)

Calhoun Co SO Willacy Co SO La Salle Co SO Real Co SO Jeff Davis Co SO Hidalgo Co SO (NM)

Dewitt Co SO Starr Co SO Webb Co SO Val Verde Co SO Pecos Co SO Luna Co SO (NM)

Goliad Co SO Zapata Co SO Uvalde Co SO Presidio Co SO Otero Co SO (NM)

Gonzales Co SO Zavala Co SO Reeves Co SO

Jackson Co SO Terrell Co SO

Jim Wells Co SO

Karnes Co SO

Kleberg Co SO

Lavaca Co SO

Live Oak Co SO

McMullen Co SO

Nueces Co SO

Refugio Co SO

San Patricio Co SO

Victoria Co SO

Volunteer Sheriff's Offices


Matagorda Co SO Edwards Co SO Midland Co SO

Wharton Co SO Ward Co SO

Guadalupe Co SO Eddy Co SO (NM)

Police Departments


Corpus Christi PD Brownsville PD Laredo PD Del Rio PD Alpine PD EL Paso PD

Kingsville PD Harlingen PD Dilley PD Fort Stockton PD Anthony PD

Victoria PD Hidalgo PD Pearsall PD Pecos PD Horizon PD

La Grulla PD Presidio PD Socorro PD

La Joya PD Ysleta Del Sur PD

McAllen PD

Mercedes PD

Mission PD

Palmview PD

Penitas PD

Pharr PD

Raymondville PD

Roma PD

Rio Grande City PD

San Benito PD

Weslaco PD

41



Volunteer Police Departments


Alice PD Alamo PD Odessa PD

Bay City PD Falfurrias PD

Corpus Christi Port

Authority PD

Donna PD

Driscoll PD Port Isabel PD

El Campo PD

George West PD

Hallettsville PD

Orange Grove PD

Port Lavaca PD

Robstown PD

Rockport PD

Seguin PD

Sinton PD

Three Rivers PD

Volunteer Other Locals


Nueces Co Precinct 3

Constable

Hidalgo Co Precinct

1 Constable

38th Judicial

District

Hidalgo Co Precinct

3 Constable

Dimmit Co

Constable

Hidalgo Co Precinct

4 Constable

Dimmit Co

Constable

State


DPS DPS DPS DPS DPS DPS

TMF TMF TMF TMF TMF TMF

TxDOT

TPWD TPWD TPWD TPWD TPWD TPWD

Federal


ATF CBP-OFO ATF CBP-OFO CBP-OFO CBP-OFO

CBP-OFO ICE CBP-OFO ICE ICE ICE

DEA South TX HIDTA DEA NPS NPS West TX HIDTA

FBI USBP FBI South TX HIDTA West TX HIDTA USBP

Houston HIDTA USCG ICE USBP USBP

ICE USBP USCG

South TX HIDTA US Marshalls

USBP

USPS

USCG

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Private


Union Pacific RR PD

County County Agencies PDs State Federal

OBS Members 44 0 32 4 13

OBS Volunteers 6 7 19 0 0

OBS NM 6 0 0 0 0

OBS Volunteer NM 1

Total 57 4 51 4 13

Many agencies also contribute to the TXGANG database. For example, the agencies listed

below have submitted information since the latest version of the database was implemented in

October 2009.

Alice PD

Amarillo PD

Beeville PD

Bryan PD

Bureau of ATF, Beaumont Field Office

Carrollton PD

College Station PD

Conroe PD

Corpus Christi PD

Sinton District Attorney's Office

Donna ISD PD

Texas DPS

Ellis County SO

Everman PD

Farmers Branch PD

Fort Bend County SO

Galveston County SO

Garland PD

Hays County SO

Hidalgo County SO

Hill County SO

Houston PD

Humble ISD PD

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Austin

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Harlingen

Irving PD

Kenedy PD

Kerr County SO

Killeen PD

La Marque PD

Lancaster PD

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Lewisville PD

Longview PD

McLennan County SO

Metropolitan Transit Authority PD, Houston

Midland PD

Montgomery County SO

New Braunfels PD

Nueces County SO

Onalaska PD

Parker County SO

Pharr PD

Robstown PD

Rosenberg PD

Santa Fe PD

Spring Branch ISD PD

Temple PD

Texas City PD

The Colony PD

Tiki Island PD

Tom Green County SO

Travis County SO

Tyler PD

Wharton PD

Williamson County SO

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References

This assessment was produced based on primarily intelligence information of a sensitive

nature, which is not referenced specifically. Information from other sources is referenced

below.

1 Criminal justice and law enforcement agencies have designated many prison gangs as Security Threat Groups, a

determination that reflects the threat posed by the gang and the policies employed by prison officials to

combat the gang. 2

Office of the Attorney General, State of Texas, Gang Resource System 3

Homeland Security Newswire, "Drug cartels employ women assassins (sicarias) in broad killing campaign," 19

August 2010 4

Texas Department of Public Safety, "DPS warns parents: Mexican cartels and gangs recruiting in Texas

schools," 17 November 2009 5

Reflects the assessed presence of gang members throughout Texas, based on quantitative information and

analytical judgments. 6

National Gang Intelligence Center, National Gang Threat Assessment 2009 7

Information provided by Texas Department of Criminal Justice regarding the offense of record for confirmed

members of the six Security Threat Groups that fall into the Tier 1 and Tier 2 categories. Data current as of 30

June 2010. 8

Office of the Attorney General, State of Texas, The Texas Response to Human Trafficking, Report to the 81st

Legislature

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Texas Gang Threat Assement 2010

Documents

Transcript of Texas Gang Threat Assement 2010