MS13: A History Written in Tattoos (El Salvador 🇸🇻)

Summary

This video explores the origins and evolution of MS13, tracing its roots to Mara Salvatrucha (MSS), formed by Salvadorian refugees in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Initially a neighborhood protection group, it evolved into a notorious gang influenced by prison alliances, violence, and the drug trade. Deportations spread MS13 across Central America, where it maintained strict codes, hierarchical structures, and community-based support. The video examines the gang's socio-political impact, including truce negotiations and involvement in politics, and highlights modern El Salvador's crackdown under the 'Iron Fist' policy. Ultimately, it frames MS13 as a movement born from a quest for security, belonging, and survival in vulnerable communities.

Takeaways

• 🛡️ MS13, originally called MS or Mara Salvatrucha, was formed by Salvadoran refugees in Los Angeles seeking protection and community.
• 🎸 The 'Stoners' in Mara Salvatrucha reflected their love for rock music and marijuana, while 'Salvatrucha' referred to their Salvadoran roots.
• 👊 The gang initially fought rival neighborhood groups to defend their community, creating a sense of loyalty and protection.
• ⚖️ In prisons, MS13 allied with other Latino gangs like the Mexican Mafia, learned new tactics, and escalated violence with weapons and drugs.
• 🔢 The '13' in MS13 symbolizes the letter 'M' (the 13th letter of the alphabet) and society's view of them as outlaws.
• 🚫 Members were forbidden from speaking or writing the word '18,' establishing a core element of the gang's identity.
• ✈️ Mass deportations from the U.S. in the 1990s spread MS13 to the Northern Triangle countries (El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala), where they continued their operations.
• 💰 Extortion became a major source of income, allowing MS13 to invest in businesses, housing, and social influence within El Salvador.
• 🤝 The gang's internal structure includes clicks led by commanders who operate independently but follow overarching rules to maintain loyalty and order.
• ⚠️ Violence and gang activity have been used as political tools, leading to temporary truces and the formation of federations of gang leaders.
• 🛑 El Salvador's 'Iron Fist' policy in 2022, including mass arrests and prison construction, significantly reduced violence and transformed national safety.
• 💡 Despite media portrayals of MS13 as purely violent, the gang originally provided a sense of safety, community, and support for marginalized youth.

Q & A

What is the origin of MS13?

MS13 originated in Los Angeles, California, in the early 1980s, formed by Salvadorian youth refugees who fled the civil war in El Salvador. They created the gang initially as a community support system to protect themselves from harassment and bullying.

What does the name 'Mara Salvatrucha' mean?

'Mara' refers to a gang, 'Salvatrucha' refers to Salvadorians, and 'Stoners' was added because members enjoyed rock music and marijuana. The reversed 'M' symbol also represented the gang identity.

How did the US civil war context influence the formation of MS13?

The Salvadorian civil war in the 1980s forced many civilians, including children, to flee to the US. The trauma, loss of family, and need for safety in poor neighborhoods contributed to the formation of youth gangs like MS13 for mutual protection.

Why did MS13 replace the letter 'S' with the number 13?

The '13' symbolized how society viewed the gang as outlawed or evil, and it also connects to the letter 'M,' the 13th letter of the alphabet, reinforcing their identity.

What role did deportation play in the spread of MS13?

Deportation in the mid-1990s sent over 90% of convicted gang members back to Central America, particularly El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. This helped MS13 establish new 'clicks' in their countries of origin, spreading the gang's influence internationally.

How is MS13 structured internally?

MS13 operates in independent 'clicks' based on areas, each led by a commander. The letters (MS13) bind the clicks together, but click leaders manage operations independently. Members can move up through actions showing loyalty, such as attacks on rival gangs.

What were some key principles for MS13 members?

Members must follow rules including no stealing from other members, no sexual assault of family members, no hard drugs (especially in jail), no snitching, attending meetings, and following internal judgments. Violating these rules could result in severe consequences.

How did MS13 generate revenue and social influence?

MS13 primarily generated revenue through extortion, called 'lenta' or 'durante.' They reportedly made millions annually in El Salvador, using the money to buy property, businesses, and gain influence in high social circles.

What was the 2012 gang truce in El Salvador?

In March 2012, MS13 and factions of Barrio 18 agreed to a truce to reduce homicides. Gang leaders were moved to medium-security prisons, and a Federation of 30 leaders was formed to strategize gang operations. The truce reduced homicides by 50% temporarily.

What is the 'Iron Fist' policy implemented by El Salvador's current president?

The 'Iron Fist' policy is a strict anti-gang initiative involving mass arrests, construction of large prisons, and severe crackdowns. It transformed El Salvador from one of the most violent countries in the world to one of the safest.

How does the portrayal of MS13 in media differ from reality?

Media often depicts MS13 members as heavily tattooed and violent, but in reality, many members maintain jobs, attend school, and live ordinary lives while relying on the gang as a support system for safety and community.

What does 'alario' refer to in MS13 culture?

'Alario' refers to the neighborhood or community where MS13 members live and die for each other. It represents the collective space that members protect and contribute to, highlighting loyalty to the gang and community safety.