Some of the most infamous gangs in the US are based in New York, a city renowned for its lively neighborhoods and ethnic diversity. These criminal groups frequently cast a shadow over the neighborhoods in which they operate by engaging in crimes like drug trafficking, extortion, robbery, and murder. These are the top five most dangerous gangs in New York right now, along with an overview of their expanding statewide presence.
MS-13
Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, has become notorious for its transnational operations and brutal violence. The gang was founded in Los Angeles in the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants who were escaping the civil war. Since then, it has spread throughout the world, including a notable presence in New York.
Known for its violent tactics, which include the use of machetes, MS-13 is implicated in extortion, drug smuggling, and human trafficking. They mostly operate in places like Long Island, New York, where their presence has prompted significant police crackdowns.
The Bloods
In New York, the Bloods, one of the biggest and most dangerous street gangs in the US, are well-established. The gang began in Los Angeles in the 1970s and eventually expanded to other major cities in New York State.
Red clothes and symbols like the letter “B” and the number five make it easy to identify the Bloods. They engage in a variety of illegal acts, such as violent attacks, robberies, and drug trafficking. Their rivalry with another well-known gang, the Crips, has led to violent altercations in the cities of New York.
Kings of Latin
One of the biggest Latino gangs in the nation, the Latin Kings were established in Chicago in the 1940s. In New York, they are very noticeable, especially in neighborhoods like Brooklyn and the Bronx.
The Latin Kings are engaged in extortion, drug distribution, and other organized crimes under a rigidly hierarchical system. In addition, they have a history of engaging in violent conflicts with other gangs, which has led to an increase in neighborhood tensions in New York.
The Trinitarios
The Dominican-American gang known as the Trinitarios had its start in New York in the late 1980s. Originally established as a prison gang, they have subsequently spread to the streets, where they are largely found in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
The Trinitarios, who are notorious for using machetes in their attacks, are also involved in violent assaults, robberies, and drug trafficking. Both law enforcement and community leaders now have serious concerns about their recruitment of young members.
The Angels of Hell
The Hells Angels have a darker side that incorporates organized crime, despite being frequently linked to their image as a motorcycle organization. The gang was founded in 1948 and is active throughout the United States, particularly New York, where they engage in racketeering, extortion, and drug trafficking.
The Hells Angels can be recognized by their characteristic red and white emblems, which include the notorious winged skull. Their activities in New York are mostly focused on Long Island and the Hudson Valley, with sporadic run-ins with other motorcycle gangs.
In conclusion
The criminal groups that affect the safety and stability of New York are not limited to these gangs. Law enforcement is still fighting back, but the fight against gang violence is a community endeavor as well. The cycle of gang recruitment and activity must be broken by increasing awareness, helping at-risk youngsters, and creating opportunities for underprivileged people.
New Yorkers can cooperate to address this persistent problem and safeguard their communities by remaining aware and active.
