The Export of Violence: How U.S. Prison Policy Fueled the Rise of MS-13

In many places, gangs virtually run the entire prison and have more influence on daily occurrences than the Warden and staff can control. Gangs have an entire social order and command structure, which only intensifies behind bars. Beatings, stabbing, killings, and riots that look spontaneous, never are. Orders for such occurrences come from gang leadership and are carried out by members. If gang members act alone or without orders, they will be severely punished by leaders and members alike. Leadership acquires its positions by proving to be the most feared, brutal, and violent. Most officials agree that at least 1,600 gangs are present in prisons across America and estimate 25 percent of all inmates are in gangs. 1

MS-13 is an example of the interrelated problem of the American prison system and gangs. The problem with gangs such as MS-13 is that members are recruited as children as young as the age of eight. Once in the gang, individuals are in for life. Unfortunately, the only path out is prison, the hospital, or the grave. MS-13 started in America as a group of immigrants that would band together for protection. Eventually, that model spiraled out of control and was used as a vehicle for violence and drugs. The gang became so dangerous that federal authorities stepped in. In the hopes to stamp out gang members, the U.S. started deporting immigrants--all having already been through the American prison system--back to their home country. 

This had an adverse effect. When members arrived, they were hardened by the American gang and prison system. In turn, these deportees banded together to start their own gang division in their country of origin, rapidly expanding MS-13’s international power. Whether these individuals were returned to their countries' prison system or not makes no difference. Their influence spreads either way. Prisons often have an opposite effect on (MS-13) gang members and career criminals; for them, prison is the central hub, a place to recruit and gather recruits. 

The point to realize here is that what started as a way for America to rid itself of gangs has helped gangs like MS-13 spread far beyond the United States. Tens of thousands of gangsters have returned to their countries of origin since the early 90’s (when the deportation started). These countries had relatively few gang problems until this federal policy was enacted. 

Now, the gang and its influence have exploded across Central America. In December of 2004, MS-13 left a note to the government of Honduras demanding that it not meddle in MS-13 affairs. The note was left on a bus the gang attacked that resulted in the killing of 28 passengers. In El Salvador, MS-13 has caused a decade-long civil war. 2

1. “Lockdown: Prison Nation.” National Geographic. Explorer. DVD. 2006

2. Johnson, Kevin. “MS-13 gang growing extremely dangerous, FBI says.” USA Today. January 5 2006 <http:>

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