The Transnational Movement of Latin American Gangs to the United States: A Critical Analysis

By Todd M Price MBA, Ph.D.(c).

The migration of gangs from Latin America, particularly from Venezuela, to the United States has become a growing concern in recent years. This issue is deeply intertwined with the political, economic, and social instability in the region, which has led to an increase in criminal activities, particularly from megabandas (mega-gangs) and other violent organizations. The presence of these gangs in the U.S. has significant implications for national security, immigration policy, and criminal justice, as it complicates efforts to manage both legal and illegal migration flows, as well as crime prevention strategies.

1. Background: Socio-Political Instability in Latin America

The rise of criminal gangs in Latin America is a multifaceted issue driven by several factors, including economic decline, weak state governance, and rampant corruption. Venezuela, in particular, has experienced a severe economic crisis that has worsened under President Nicolás Maduro’s regime. The country’s hyperinflation, unemployment, and political repression have created an environment conducive to the growth of criminal enterprises. Gangs have capitalized on the state’s inability to maintain law and order, positioning themselves as powerful actors in Venezuelan society through the control of illicit economies such as drug trafficking and extortion. Scholarly studies suggest that Venezuela’s megabandas have been instrumental in exacerbating internal violence, while also facilitating the migration of criminal activity across borders¹.

The broader Latin American region also faces the challenge of powerful transnational gangs, such as Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18, both of which originated in Central America. These organizations emerged in part as a consequence of the civil wars and political instability in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, where weak governmental institutions allowed these groups to flourish. As these gangs have grown, they have developed transnational networks that span from their countries of origin into Mexico and the United States. Research shows that these criminal organizations have evolved beyond traditional street gangs into sophisticated entities with involvement in organized crime, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and violent crimes such as homicides².

2. Migration and the Spread of Gang Activity

The migration of individuals from Venezuela and other Latin American countries to the United States has surged due to the deteriorating conditions in their home countries. While most migrants are fleeing violence and economic hardship, there is evidence to suggest that some gang members have used these migration routes to expand their criminal operations. This phenomenon has raised alarm among U.S. law enforcement agencies and policymakers, as the infiltration of these groups into U.S. communities presents new challenges for national security³.

In particular, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reported instances where members of gangs such as MS-13 and Barrio 18 have been apprehended after illegally crossing the U.S. border⁴. Gangs often exploit vulnerabilities in the immigration system, embedding themselves among asylum seekers and other migrants. Once in the United States, these groups engage in a range of illicit activities, including drug distribution, human trafficking, and violent crime. Research indicates that gang members who have entered the U.S. through migration routes often collaborate with domestic gangs to further their criminal enterprises, exacerbating the challenges faced by local law enforcement⁵.

3. The Role of Transnational Criminal Organizations

Transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) play a key role in the expansion of Latin American gangs into the United States. These organizations, often involved in the drug trade and other forms of organized crime, rely on gangs to distribute drugs and carry out enforcement operations within U.S. territory. Studies show that Latin American gangs have become critical players in the U.S. drug market, with ties to Mexican drug cartels that provide them with access to narcotics and firearms⁶. As a result, U.S. cities with large migrant populations, such as Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, have become hotspots for gang-related crime.

The involvement of Latin American gangs in transnational criminal networks is a cause for concern, as it highlights the global nature of organized crime. Scholars argue that the transnationalization of gangs has been facilitated by the porous borders of Central and South America, as well as the weak institutional frameworks in these regions⁷. The U.S. government’s response to this growing threat has been to strengthen border security and enhance collaboration with Latin American governments. However, these efforts have had limited success, as the root causes of gang migration—poverty, political instability, and violence—remain largely unaddressed⁸.

4. Policy Implications and Future Directions

The migration of gangs from Venezuela and other parts of Latin America to the United States presents a complex policy challenge. On one hand, it is critical to secure the borders and prevent gang members from entering the country. On the other hand, there is a need for a more comprehensive approach that addresses the socio-economic and political drivers of gang activity in Latin America. Policymakers must balance the need for national security with the rights of legitimate asylum seekers and migrants who are fleeing violence and persecution.

Research suggests that long-term solutions to the issue of gang migration require greater international cooperation. Efforts to stabilize the economies of Latin American countries, strengthen governance, and reduce corruption are essential for curbing the growth of criminal organizations⁹. Additionally, community-based interventions in the U.S. can help to mitigate the influence of gangs in vulnerable communities. Programs focused on youth intervention, education, and vocational training have shown promise in preventing gang recruitment and reducing recidivism¹⁰.

In conclusion, the movement of gangs from Latin America to the United States is a multifaceted problem that requires a nuanced understanding of the socio-political context in both regions. Addressing this issue will require concerted efforts from both U.S. and Latin American governments, as well as international organizations. By tackling the root causes of gang activity and fostering collaboration across borders, it is possible to reduce the influence of transnational gangs and improve security in both the U.S. and Latin America.

Footnotes

¹ Romero, L., & de La Torre, C. (2022). Megabandas and the Collapse of Governance in Venezuela. Journal of Latin American Studies, 54(3), 561-585.

² Sanchez, M., & Cruz, J. M. (2020). The Evolution of Transnational Gangs in Central America: A Comparative Analysis of MS-13 and Barrio 18. International Journal of Criminology, 45(2), 211-233.

³ U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2021). Gangs and Transnational Criminal Organizations: Impacts on U.S. National Security. Homeland Security Journal, 38(1), 32-47.

⁴ ICE (2020). Report on Gang Activity Among Latin American Migrants. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Publications, 42.

⁵ Smith, R., & Perez, A. (2019). Transnational Gangs and Crime in the U.S.: A Review of Recent Research and Policy Implications. Security Studies Review, 51(1), 74-89.

⁶ Garza, M., & Espinoza, C. (2018). The Role of Gangs in the U.S. Drug Trade: Transnational Criminal Networks in Action. Drug Policy and Research Journal, 34(4), 219-240.

⁷ Hernandez, L. (2017). The Transnationalization of Organized Crime in Latin America. International Security Review, 29(2), 142-156.

⁸ Kline, J. (2019). U.S. Border Security and the Challenge of Transnational Gangs. Journal of International Affairs, 52(3), 81-94.

⁹ Acosta, C., & Fernandez, R. (2022). Combating the Root Causes of Gang Activity in Latin America: A Developmental Approach. World Development, 140, 105-118.

¹⁰ Williams, P. (2020). Community-Based Approaches to Gang Prevention: Lessons from U.S. Cities. Crime Prevention Journal, 47(1), 28-45.