Woodbridge: Gang Analysis

In the, very quickly expanding, city of Woodbridge, Virginia, there is a resurging issue of gang activity. The predominant gang found in Woodbridge is known as MS-13, whose activist’s extend through several towns and city’s including portions of Washington DC. This gang was thought to be “decimated” (Jouvenal, Zapotosky, 2014), in the last few years, through prosecutions against both high and low ranking members, leaving the gang scattered and unorganized. However, since then, they have quietly reconstituted and are beginning to resurface, appearing stranger and more violent than ever (Jouvenal, Zapotosky, 2014).
Mara Salvatrucha is the origin of MS-13’s names, which was created by a Salvadorian who left El Salvador, during a civil war, who

settled in Las Angeles CA. In the early 1980’s, MS-13 was created, coming to the attention of authorities in the 1990’s as they moved eastwards (Jouvenal, Zapotosky, 2014). MS-13 was introduced to the public when a series of horrific attacks, including the removal of a teen’s fingers and the murder of a pregnant member that was providing information to federal officials (Jouvenal, Zapotosky, 2014). They have continued to have an extremely violent reputation with beheadings and mutilations using machetes and firearms.
Although MS-13 is the issue in Woodbridge, you can find several gangs in the state of Virginia. Just to name a few, there are the, 18th Street, United Blood Nation (UBN), South Side Locos, Folk Nation, La Primera, Hell’s Angels, La Raza, Pagans, Latin Kings, Warlocks, Bloods, Outlaws, Crips, Skinheads, gangster Disciples, tiny Rascal Gang (Office/Attorney General, 2010). Each one with their own bylaws, styles, territory and rivalry, but all are a criminal organization consisting of at least three persons (Savelli, 2010).
As for curtailing the gang issue in the area. It appears that the community at large dose not sit well with gang activity (Savelli, 2010). From every newspaper article reviewed, the common theme was, MS-13’s activities were thwarted by an informant of some sort, whether it was an errant member or a concerned citizen (Savelli, 2010). Apart from the community’s involvement and cooperation with the authorities, it is important that the youth in the community have a activities, such as sports, drama, or music to keep them focused and on track (Savelli, 2010). It is also imperative that the community realize when a child is left to their own resources and/or are being neglected or abused at home (Savelli, 2010). Research shows that many gang members joined because of a lack of a feeling of family or stability at home, as well as a need/want for money (Savelli, 2010). Other reasons may include, a need for protection from gangs, wanting to be with the crowd, wanting to prove they are tough or have street credit (Savelli, 2010).