Texas Gang Threat Assement 2010

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Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010


Provided by http://MontgomeryTX.CountyMonitor.com

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010


A State Intelligence Estimate
Produced by the Texas Fusion Center
Intelligence & Counterterrorism Division
Texas Department of Public Safety


In collaboration with other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies


September 1, 2010


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Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Key Analytical Judgments


• Transnational gangs represent the most significant organized crime threat to the State of Texas. The Mexican cartels are employing Texas-based gangs to support their criminal operations on both sides of the Texas-Mexico border. • Gangs recruit new members in our prisons and our schools and routinely engage in murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, robbery, auto theft, burglary, drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, prostitution, human trafficking and money laundering. • The Mexican cartels now depend upon these gangs to conduct their drug and human trafficking operations throughout the United States and to provide them additional resources to combat rival cartels and the Government of Mexico. These gangs are enlisted with the promise and delivery of enormous profits. • Gangs are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime in our communities, including as much as 60 percent in some areas. They seek to expand relationships with regional and local gangs to increase their profits from wholesale and retail drug distribution in Texas. • As the Mexican cartels increase their reliance on transnational gangs in Texas to support their criminal operations it is likely that the scope and degree of the gang violence in our communities will increase, especially in our major urban areas. • A state-wide investigative and prosecutive strategy that combines local, state and federal information and intelligence to support multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency criminal enterprise investigations and prosecutions as a unified effort would maximize the impact on this escalating crime problem.

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Table of Contents

Title Page Key Analytical Judgments Table of Contents Acknowledgments Overview of State Intelligence Estimates Preface Introduction Prioritization and Criteria Gang Organization Regional Assessments Gang Involvement in Criminal Activity Outlook Appendix 1: Overview of Significant Gangs Appendix 2: Law Enforcement Strategies Appendix 3: Other Contributing Agencies References 1
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Acknowledgments

The Texas Fusion Center Gang Section thanks the following agencies and centers for collaborating in the production of this State Intelligence Estimate. Their contributions were invaluable to developing a comprehensive assessment of the threat posed by gangs in Texas, and they represent the commitment among law enforcement and criminal justice agencies across the state to share information and intelligence in order to effectively combat crime and improve public safety.

Austin Police Department Houston Police Department Border Security Operations Center, Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Department of Criminal Justice Office of the Attorney General, State of Texas Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of Justice National Drug Intelligence Center, U.S. Department of Justice

It is also important to acknowledge the vital contributions of the hundreds of local law enforcement agencies throughout Texas who routinely report gang and border-related incidents that contributed to this report. This includes Operation Border Star participants and law enforcement participants in TX GANG. These agencies are listed in Appendix 3.

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Overview of State Intelligence Estimates

The Intelligence & Counterterrorism Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety developed the concept of State Intelligence Estimates in consultation with the National Intelligence Council, based in part on the model of the National Intelligence Estimate. State Intelligence Estimates are multi-agency assessments on issues relating to homeland security and public safety in Texas. They serve as the most authoritative and comprehensive analysis of these issues produced by the Texas Fusion Center, and they are designed to provide law enforcement and government officials with the most accurate evaluation of current intelligence on a given topic. State Intelligence Estimates are intended to provide an assessment on the current status of an issue, but they also include estimative conclusions that make forecasts about future developments and identify the implications for Texas. Unlike reports and assessments produced by an individual agency or center, State Intelligence Estimates draw on the information and expertise of multiple law enforcement and criminal justice agencies across Texas. Such an approach is vital to developing a comprehensive assessment of issues that affect the state as a whole. By incorporating the perspectives and information from multiple agencies, the Texas Fusion Center is able to produce assessments that support a proactive approach to the prevention of crime and terrorism. A key aspect of this process is the Texas Fusion Center Policy Council (TFCPC), which provides state-level coordination and policy guidance to fusion centers in Texas. The TFCPC is composed of representatives of each of the state's regional intelligence fusion centers and the state-level Texas Fusion Center. These fusion centers serve as the primary framework for the statewide intelligence capability, and maximize the fusion capability in Texas.

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Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Preface

This threat assessment is submitted to the Governor and Legislature of Texas in response to the requirements of Texas Government Code 421.082 (e) regarding the Texas Fusion Center, which states: The gang section of the center shall annually submit to the governor and legislature a report assessing the threat posed statewide by criminal street gangs. The report must include identification of: (1) law enforcement strategies that have been proven effective in deterring gang-related crime; and (2) gang involvement in trafficking of persons. In addition to meeting these requirements, this threat assessment provides a broad overview of gang activity in Texas. This assessment was produced by the Texas Fusion Center in the form of a State Intelligence Estimate. It includes the contributions of a wide range of law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in the state. The statements, conclusions and assessments included in this document were reached based on a review and analysis of reliable information from a variety of sources. There are limitations associated with gathering statistical information on gang-related activity. These limitations are due in part to varying definitions of what constitutes a gang as well as variations in law enforcement reporting and awareness of gangs and indicators of gang activitiy. In addition, many law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in Texas currently maintain gang intelligence information in separate databases, several of which are not interoperable. This creates impediments to the sharing of gang-related criminal intelligence information.

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Introduction

The purpose of this assessment is to identify and evaluate the threat posed by gangs and gangrelated criminal activity in Texas, by examining several key aspects of gang activity. The first section offers an explanation of the criteria and factors that are used to assess the threat posed by an individual gang. The following sections examine gang organizational issues, gang activity in various regions of the state, and an analysis of gang involvement in criminal activity. Finally, we present an outlook of gang activity in Texas. The Texas Penal Code, § 71.01 (d) includes this definition of criminal street gang: "Criminal street gang" means three or more persons having a common identifying sign or symbol or an identifiable leadership who continuously or regularly associate in the commission of criminal activities. In addition, this assessment recognizes other common definitions of traditional gang categories. These categories are not necessarily exclusive of each other, and have limitations in understanding the gang threat in Texas, as we discuss in the following section. However, it is important to be aware of these definitions: Transnational gangs are defined as gangs that regularly and systematically conduct criminal activity across national borders. Though definitions vary among local, state, and federal agencies, most are in agreement that the essence of transnational gangs is that they transcend international boundaries in order to conduct criminal activity. Prison gangs are defined as violent gangs that have a statewide impact and whose influence and power originated or became strengthened in the prison system.1 These gangs operate successfully both in prison and in the free world, with an emphasis on the drug trade. Most prison gangs adhere to a constitution or a strict set of rules, and maintain high membership levels by providing protection to fellow members and through intimidation. Street gangs are defined as groups of three or more persons who have a common name or identifying sign or symbol and whose members engage in criminal activity. Members of street gangs can exist within a distinct area, and they are present in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Larger and more organized street gangs may operate in multiple regions of Texas with some maintaining members nationwide. Outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs) are defined as highly organized criminal motorcycle clubs, whose members engage in violent crime, weapons trafficking, and drug trafficking. National level OMGs often preside over a network of subordinate local and regional “chapters” and are frequently represented in the prison population. OMGs are also known to occupy legitimate private and government positions providing access to sensitive information.

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Prioritization and Criteria

The traditional categories and types of gangs have significant limitations in threat evaluation. Many of these categories overlap, and a particular gang may simultaneously meet the definition of a prison gang and transnational gang. The Texas Fusion Center has developed a threat assessment matrix to evaluate the threat posed by individual gangs on a statewide level. This matrix includes nine factors that are important in determining the threat posed by each gang. Each factor is rated using a weighted, point-based system in order to achieve a composite score. This composite score is then used to determine the overall threat level of each gang. The most significant gangs are classified as Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3. The Tier 1 gangs are considered to pose the greatest threat on a statewide scale.
Figure 1: Texas Fusion Center 2010 Gang Rankings

The nine factors included in the threat assessment matrix include: • Relationship with Cartels: This factor examines the extent to which a gang is connected to Mexico-based drug cartels. A gang may be assessed as having no

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Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

relationship, a short term association, an extensive long term association, or that a gang may function as a U.S.-based extension of a cartel. • Contribution to Violence in Border Communities: This factor assesses the degree to which a gang contributes to violence in border communities, ranging from no violence to a high level of violence. • Transnational Criminal Activity: This factor considers whether or not a gang has transnational criminal connections, as well as whether the gang’s criminal activity has spread into the transnational realm. • Level of Criminal Activity: This factor is rated upon the type and frequency of crimes perpetrated by the gang. Crimes are rated on a scale covering a range of offenses, such as vandalism, class B misdemeanors, felonies, and violent crime such as murder and home invasion. • Level of Violence: This factor assesses the overall level of violence perpetrated by the gang in its criminal activity. It ranges from generally non-violent offenses such as money laundering, to crimes involving extreme violence, such as torture and murder. • Prevalence Throughout Texas: This factor determines the extent to which a gang is active throughout the state. Some gangs are concentrated in specific cities or regions of Texas, while others are widespread across the state. • Relationship with Other Gangs: This factor examines the nature of a gang’s alliances and influence with other gangs. This may include limited and temporary contact or formal alliances, whereas some gangs exercise direct oversight over other gangs. Gangs with extensive alliances or control over other gangs pose a greater threat. • Total Strength: This factor assesses the known size of the gang, measured in the number of individuals confirmed by law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to be members of the gang. This number is almost always an underrepresentation of the true size of the gang, as many members may be unknown to law enforcement. • Organizational Effectiveness: This factor examines the sophistication of the organizational structure and communication mechanisms of the gang. Gangs may be considered lacking in any organizational structure, loosely organized, semi-structured with some hierarchical traits, or highly organized with defined hierarchical roles and communication methods. These criteria are designed to prioritize gangs that pose the greatest threat at a statewide level. However, there may be several communities where the most significant state-level gangs do not pose the greatest threat at a local level. Likewise, the most significant gangs in any particular community do not necessarily rise to statewide significance. In addition, the threat posed by any particular gang is often dynamic, and a threat assessment tool such as this is designed to be fluid.

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Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Gang Organization

Gangs in Texas employ a variety of organizational and leadership models. These models vary in the extent to which the organization is centrally or hierarchically organized. Although the various models are unique, one is not necessarily more effective than another. Several of the Tier 1 gangs, for example, use different organizational models. These models are: Paramilitary models include a hierarchical structure with clear distinction between ranks, which often include military titles such as general, captain, lieutenant, sergeant and soldier. Senior leaders are able to issue orders to subordinates that are generally carried out as instructed. Gangs using this model include Texas Mexican Mafia and Barrio Azteca. Regional Cell models are composed of several cells that are part of the same organization, but that act generally independent of one another at an operational level. Each cell may have a strict internal hierarchy similar to a paramilitary model, though between cells there is little coordinated command and control. Texas Syndicate is an example of a Texas gang with a regional cell model. Cliques of gangs tend to adopt a common culture and identity, but have few tangible connections to each other. Each clique may have a senior member that acts as a leader, and larger cliques may have a more structured hierarchy. In some cases, cliques of the same gang may work in opposition to each other. Examples of clique-based gangs are Bloods, Crips, and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). Loose Affiliation gangs have relaxed membership requirements and little to no detectable leadership hierarchy. This model tends to be the most dynamic, allowing for rapid growth while simultaneously limiting the extent to which groups of members can be effectively managed. Tango Blast is an example of a Texas gang with a loose affiliation model. In addition to organizational and leadership models, other factors play an important role in how gangs operate and organize. Race and Gangs Many large gangs have membership based along racial lines. Examples of predominantly white gangs include Aryan Brotherhood of Texas and Aryan Circle; predominantly Hispanic gangs include Texas Mexican Mafia and Texas Syndicate; and predominantly African American gangs include Gangster Disciples, Bloods and Crips. This aspect of gang organization is often described as a product of prison, where inmates frequently identify with others of their own race. Many of these gangs officially cite race as a reason for having organized, and some profess racial superiority over others. While individual members of these gangs may hold racial bias or prejudice, the gangs themselves often engage in business arrangements with gangs of another race when it is mutually convenient and profitable. Ultimately, gangs work with any group that will help further their criminal objectives. For example, the Aryan
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Brotherhood of Texas, a white racist gang, has developed a business relationship with the Mexican Mafia to acquire methamphetamines in Mexico. Females and Gangs The overwhelming majority of gang members in Texas are male. Women likely account for less than 15 percent of all gang members,2 though female membership appears to be increasing. Most women with gang affiliations serve in support roles and not as full members. In these roles, they often transport drugs or purchase weapons for other members that may seek to avoid being caught in possession of illegal substances, or may be legally prohibited from purchasing firearms. In Mexico, females have become increasingly involved in the operations of Mexican drug cartels, a trend that may have implications for Texas gang membership.3

Special Focus: Gangs' Relationships with Mexican Cartels
One of the most serious issues facing law enforcement and public safety officials is the fact that many gangs have developed relationships with Mexican cartels. Gangs working with the Mexican cartels are involved in a level of crime that affects the entire state. Their criminal activity is no longer just a problem for a specific city or region. In certain instances, these gangs are contracted to commit assassinations, kidnapping and assaults in Texas and Mexico on behalf of the cartels. From the perspective of the gangs and cartels, the benefits of these relationships are fairly obvious. From a public safety perspective, the danger of these relationships is equally obvious. The gangs increase their power and acquire wholesale quantities of drugs at reasonable prices, while the cartels extend their network of connections deeper into the United States. There is some variation in the nature of the gangs' relationship with Mexican cartels. On one end of the spectrum, a gang serves as a U.S.-based extension of the cartel. In this way, the U.S. gang members regularly take orders from cartel leadership; facilitate the movement of people and weapons into the United States; procure weapons, vehicles and other material for the cartel; and carry out acts of violence and other criminal activity on the cartel's behalf. This type of relationship represents the most significant threat, as it involves an ongoing exportation of Mexican cartel violence and influence into the state. Of the significant gangs examined in this assessment, Barrio Azteca has the strongest and most entrenched relationship with a Mexican cartel. On the other end of the spectrum are gangs that interact only sporadically with Mexican cartels. In these cases, the gangs have no allegiance to any particular cartel, and may work with a variety of Mexican organizations. These tend to be smaller gangs that do not need a regular supply of large quantities of drugs. Despite the irregular contact, each interaction has the potential to strengthen the connection between the cartel and the gang, increasing the likelihood that the relationship will evolve and develop a more violent purpose than simply trafficking drugs. Between these two extremes are several large Texas-based gangs that have long-standing working relationships with Mexican cartels. In most cases, these relationships strengthen when the interests of the two organizations coincide; when they do not, there is no guarantee that the gang will comply with a request from the cartel. While these gangs do not necessarily act as U.S.-based extensions of the cartels on a consistent basis, they have a history of carrying out assaults, kidnappings, and murders in Texas on orders from the cartels.

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Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Gang Recruitment
Gang recruitment is concentrated in prison, in school, and even on the internet. In the prison system and in county jails, inmates may join prison gangs for protection while serving time behind bars, though most of these gangs typically recruit members to serve in the organization for life and expect them to maintain membership after being released. Many gangs maintain active websites or pages on video sharing and social networking sites. These sites serve as a means for self-promotion, where they post propaganda about the gang, threats to other gangs, or other information designed to recruit new members. Gangs' use of these tools continues to be an evolving trend and one that is rapidly expanding as youth continue to adopt technological innovations. Gangs also use the internet for communications to support their criminal operations. Gangs in Texas are also increasingly recruiting juveniles in schools, often making promises of money, fame and influence, while ensuring them that they will receive a minimal sentence if they are arrested. This trend has occurred throughout the state, though young people along the Texas-Mexico border are particularly susceptible. In 2008, for example, young people from the counties along the Texas-Mexico border accounted for just nine percent of the population of Texas, but 18 percent of the felony drug charges and gang-related arrests.4 Large gangs in Texas are also increasingly recruiting smaller gangs to commit specific crimes on the large gangs' behalf. Smaller gangs, for example, are frequently recruited to steal vehicles that the large gang will use for its own purposes or send to Mexico where they will be used by Mexican criminal organizations. Gang Communication Gangs use a variety of methods to identify themselves, including tattoos, hand signals, colors, and graffiti. The vast majority of gang members in Texas wear tattoos to identify their gang affiliation. A gang's tattoos are often not identical across members, but rather incorporate similar symbols or numbers to distinguish the gang. Several gangs have instructed their members to avoid getting tattoos, while others attempt to conceal the gang-related symbols within other tattoos, to avoid easy detection by law enforcement. Hand signals and the wearing of similar colors also serve as a way for gang members to identify each other. Some of these signals and colors may be similar across gangs while others are unique. Graffiti is another common way for gangs to identify themselves and the territory that they claim. Messages that are etched or spray-painted on buildings or street signs may serve as a message from one gang to another regarding the boundaries of its turf.

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Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Regional Assessments
Gang activity is widespread across Texas. Although gang membership is often concentrated in larger metropolitan areas, gangs are also active in smaller communities throughout the state. Figure 2 provides an overview of where gang activity is concentrated in Texas, based on current information. It highlights a trend that has occurred over the past few years, in which gang members increasingly have expanded from large urban areas into suburban and rural communities. As a result, these areas are experiencing an increase in violence and gang-related crime. Gangs moving into smaller communities can influence younger adults by introducing and exposing them to gang-related crimes and providing a sense of camaraderie, which can entice and appeal to juveniles and young adults.
Figure 2: Concentration of gang presence in Texas
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In addition to being widespread, gang activity also varies between regions. Many smaller gangs operate in limited areas of the state. For example, the gangs that are most active in the Texas Panhandle may not be the most significant gangs operating along the Rio Grande Valley. On the other hand, several of the largest and most significant gangs are present across multiple regions.
Figure 3: Regional map of Texas

The following summaries provide an assessment of the most significant gangs operating in various regions of Texas. Some of the most significant gangs at a regional level are not necessarily the most significant at a statewide level. In addition, a gang's prevalence throughout Texas is also only one of the nine factors used to assess its overall threat. For example, Aryan Brotherhood of Texas is significant in four of the six regions of the state, but it is ranked as a Tier 2 threat based on the other threat criteria. By contrast, Barrio Azteca is found primarily in Region 4, but it is ranked as a Tier 1 gang due to other factors.

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Region 1 Most Significant Gangs: Tango Blast (D-Town and Foritos), Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, Bandidos Region 1 includes the counties in Northeastern Texas, with the Dallas-Fort Worth area representing the most densely populated area. The region is home to many Hispanic and African American gangs, as well as several white gangs. Tango Blast maintains a heavy presence in Dallas-Fort Worth but is not prominent elsewhere in the region. Aryan Brotherhood of Texas and the Bandidos are active in and around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Others gangs with a more sporadic but notable presence throughout the region include the Bloods (multiple cliques), Crips (multiple cliques), Bandidos, Texas Mexican Mafia, Sur 13, Texas Syndicate, and Latin Kings. Region 2 Most Significant Gangs: Tango Blast (Houstone), Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, Bloods Region 2 is composed of counties in East Texas including the metropolitan areas of Houston, Beaumont, and Bryan-College Station. Tango Blast is the largest and most active gang in and around the Houston area, with a less concentrated presence elsewhere in the region. Aryan Brotherhood of Texas is active throughout much of the region, while Bloods (multiple cliques) are mainly active in Houston and to a lesser extent in other areas of the region. There is also strong and persistent presence of Texas Mexican Mafia, Crips (multiple cliques), while Latin Kings, Surenos, Southwest Cholos, Vatos Locos, and Texas Syndicate are also known to operate in the area but in lower levels than the more significant gangs. Region 3 Most Significant Gangs: Texas Mexican Mafia, Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos, Texas Syndicate Many of the most prominent Hispanic gangs are active throughout Region 3, which includes the South Texas border with Mexico. African American and white gangs are present in more limited numbers. Large and well-established gangs such as the Texas Mexican Mafia, Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos, and Texas Syndicate are the most significant gangs in the region. Tango Blast (Vallucos) is also active throughout much of the region. The Tri-City Bombers are represented in moderate numbers with lesser representations of dozens of smaller Hispanic gangs. Region 4 Most Significant Gangs: Barrio Azteca, Tango Blast (WTX and EPT), Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Region 4 is located in West Texas and shares a significant portion of the border with Mexico. The most significant and most entrenched gang in the region is Barrio Azteca, which operates primarily in the El Paso area but also in other communities throughout the region. Other significant gangs active throughout the region are Tango Blast and Aryan Brotherhood of Texas. El Paso also has a noteworthy presence of Folk Nation and Bloods, while Aryan Circle, Latin Kings, Texas Mexican Mafia, and Texas Syndicate are active in the Midland-Odessa and San Angelo areas. More recently, the Surenos have been seeking greater control in the region.

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Special Focus: Gangs and the Texas-Mexico Border
The area along the Texas-Mexico border represents a unique environment regarding gang activity. Many of the gangs that are present in the area regularly engage in transnational criminal activity, focusing on human smuggling, drug trafficking, and weapon smuggling. While the entire U.S.­ Mexico border region has historically experienced high levels of drug trafficking and other transnational criminal activity, this activity tends to be concentrated in certain sectors. Two such sectors are the Rio Grande Valley and West Texas.

Several factors contribute to this concentration of activity along these parts of the Texas-Mexico border. First, there is a high level of legitimate travel occurring in this area. Family and cultural ties between residents of Texas border communities and towns in Northeastern Mexico contribute to the high rates of legal cross-border traffic. Second, the economic connection between Texas and Mexico results in a high level of legitimate commerce, which is concentrated in the El Paso area and in South Texas. Texas plays an important role in cross-border trade; the majority of Mexican exports to the United States are estimated to pass through the state. Laredo and the Interstate 35 corridor account for a significant portion of this activity. This environment of legal travel and trade is regularly exploited by Mexican drug cartels and Texas-based gangs that use this activity as cover to smuggle contraband. Finally, the area immediately across the border from Texas is steeped in the influence and violence of Mexican drug cartels. No city in Mexico has seen more death and destruction at the hands of the cartels during the past few years than Ciudad Juarez, just across the border from El Paso. Meanwhile, towns such as Reynosa and Matamoros, in northern Tamaulipas state, are the traditional home of the Gulf cartel and Los Zetas, which have been considered among Mexico's most powerful drug trafficking organizations over the past decade. Similarly, Nuevo Laredo has served as a frequent battleground between rival cartels seeking to expand their areas of influence and capture the city for their use in smuggling operations. As such, these towns are characterized by a cartel presence that is essentially ingrained, in an area immediately adjacent to Texas. It is these same cartels that seek to expand their influence into the United States and to engage Texas-based gangs to support them. The cartel presence in Mexico has significant security implications for the United States. These concerns are amplified along the Texas border, given the area's proximity to Mexican cartel havens, and these organizations' history of working with Texas-based gangs.

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Region 5 Most Significant Gangs: Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, Aryan Circle, Texas Syndicate Region 5 is located in Northwest Texas, where the most significant gangs are Aryan Brotherhood of Texas and Aryan Circle, as they have a pervasive presence throughout the region. Texas Syndicate is another significant gang with a large presence in the region. Other prominent gangs present in two or more major metropolitan areas are Barrio Azteca, Tango Blast, and Bandidos. The Mexican Mafia, Bloods, and Crips are also active but to a lesser extent. Region 6 Most Significant Gangs: Texas Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, Tango Blast (Orejon and ATX) Region 6 includes the area of central Texas and is home to hundreds of established gangs. The most significant gangs are Texas Mexican Mafia (with a pervasive presence throughout San Antonio), Texas Syndicate, and Tango Blast. Other gangs include Bloods (multiple cliques), and Crips (multiple cliques). In addition, the national headquarters of the Bandidos is located in San Antonio. Many smaller gangs are also present throughout Region 6.

Special Focus: Gangs and Prison
For many gang members in Texas, incarceration in the prison system is not the end of gang life. Many members of prison gangs, and other gangs not traditionally known as prison gangs, actively engage in criminal activity while behind bars. Prison gangs commonly control the distribution of drugs within correctional facilities, and many also engage in drug trafficking outside of prison Some gang leaders operate from behind bars, often having access to cell phones or communicating through other means with gang members on the outside. Other times, prison gang members are released with the understanding that they will continue to represent the gang and act on its behalf after they are released.

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Gang Involvement in Criminal Activity
Gangs in Texas engage in a wide variety of criminal activity. This activity ranges from non­ violent property crimes such as vandalism to brutal violent crimes such as murder and kidnapping. The overall extent of this activity is difficult to measure with great accuracy, though gangs in Texas may be responsible for as much as 60 percent of all criminal activity in some communities, according to the 2009 National Gang Threat Assessment.6
Figure 4: Offense of record for incarcerated prison gang members in Texas prisons
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Another indication of the level of violence associated with gang activity is shown in Figure 4, which represents the offense of record for prison gang members incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The offense of record is the offense that incarcerates the offender for the longest period of time. It shows that 20 percent of confirmed prison gang members are serving a sentence for homicide, more than for any other crime. Other significant categories include robbery (19 percent), burglary/larceny (15 percent), drugs (13 percent), and assault/terroristic threat (13 percent).

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The fact that many prison gang members have committed multiple offenses may account for the relatively low numbers of other crimes in Figure 4. For example, a gang member that had committed both a kidnapping and a murder, and received a longer sentence for the murder, would not register in the kidnapping category. In addition, the data does not show whether the offender committed the offense as a gang member or if the offender became a gang member after becoming incarcerated. Furthermore, these offenses are not always an accurate representation of the crime that was actually committed; they may reflect a lesser charge that was reduced under a plea bargain. Regardless, this information underscores a simple reality: gang members in Texas are dangerous criminals engaged in violent and heinous crimes. Much of this activity is coordinated by the gang and carried out on its behalf. However, many gang members frequently engage in criminal activity for personal gain that is not directly related to the gang or conducted for the purposes of advancing the gang. Even when they are acting on their own behalf, however, the gang members' involvement in criminal activity is often facilitated by a network of criminal contacts that are made possibe by gang membership.

Special Focus: Gangs and Human Trafficking
Among the range of violent criminal activity that gangs in Texas are engaged in is human trafficking. The challenges associated with measuring the true number of trafficking victims in Texas also makes it difficult to estimate the extent to which gangs control human trafficking. The Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force mandated by HB 4009 81st Legislature is charged with collecting data on the nature and scope of this crime. The Task Force is working with law enforcement agencies across the state to identify the appropriate mechanisms to report this data. Cartels and gangs have increased their involvement in human smuggling because of its high profit. As a result, the distinction between human trafficking and human smuggling has become blurred. The transnational gang most known for its involvement in human trafficking is Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). The gang's extensive membership in the United States, Mexico, and Central America provides it with the network to move victims against their will and to subject them to forced labor and working in the commercial sex industry. Within Texas, the gang has also engaged in "hijacking" groups of illegal aliens that had been smuggled by other criminal organizations. Gang members transport and move these individuals against their will as they seek ransom payments from their families. In some areas, juvenile gangs are also engaging in human trafficking through the operation of sex trafficking rings involving minors. Gang members use threats and violence to force minors into prostitution rings. For example, in one case in Fort Worth, several teenage gang members forced five minors to work as prostitutes in an apartment complex, while also physically and sexually abusing them.8 Some Texas-based gangs are involved in human smuggling, which is sometimes viewed separate from human trafficking. Many smugglers initially receive the victim's consent, but subsequently hold them against their will and force them to perform labor to pay a debt or force young females into prostitution.

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Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Outlook

Based on a review of current intelligence and knowledge of gang activity, we make the following assessments: • The overall threat posed by gangs in Texas, and particularly those gangs working directly with the Mexican cartels, will likely remain at a high level, and it will likely increase as current trends continue. The threat posed by individual gangs will likely evolve over time, responding to changes in gang leadership and law enforcement action. • Gangs will continue to recruit new members in the prisons, and will likely expand their recruitment activities in schools and on the internet. The continuation of these trends would increase gang membership across the state. The focus on recruitment in the schools and over the internet increases the vulnerability of our youth to gang involvement. • Mexican drug cartels will fight to maintain or increase their share of the lucrative drug and human smuggling market and Texas-based gangs will continue to play an essential role in supporting cartel operations on both sides of the border and likely seek to expand their existing networks in Texas primarily by leveraging the gangs. • The combination of expanding membership and increasing ties to Mexican cartels increases the likelihood that gang-related violence in Texas will increase. The growing number of gang members and consequent shifts in gang territory increases the probability that gangs will use violence against each other as they compete for increases in market share and territory. Similarly, the cartel connections also increase the likelihood that gangs in Texas will expand their involvement in Mexican cartel violence that occurs in the state, either by carrying it out on behalf of the cartels or creating gang rivalries that mirror the gang alliances with competing cartels. • Gang activity will continue to expand into suburban and rural communities. Large metropolitan areas along major transportation corridors such as Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio will continue to be used by gangs as distribution hubs for drug and human smuggling. Gang activity in Texas communities along the Mexico border could increase in volatility, especially if drug cartel violence in Mexico continues to escalate.

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Appendix 1: Overview of Significant Gangs
The following pages provide a more detailed overview of the most significant gangs in Texas.

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Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Texas Mexican Mafia Tier 1 Texas Mexican Mafia (TMM), also known as Mexikanemi, is assessed as the gang that poses the greatest threat in Texas. After the 2009 arrests of key members in San Antonio, the gang is slowly regaining its leadership strength and drug connections as prescribed in their official constitution. The TMM remains a serious threat to the state both inside and outside of prison, and will continue to be a major threat as long as its members actively carry out their criminal activities in the name of the gang.

Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: Intelligence reports indicate that members of TMM have established long-term business ventures with the major Mexican drug cartels, such as the Gulf, Sinaloa, Juarez and Los Zetas cartels. According to some information, TMM are considered “guns for hire” and will work with any cartel. In Laredo, tensions between TMM and Los Zetas have been reported, mostly due to lost drug loads resulting in unpaid debts. Contribution to Violence in Border Communities: The presence of TMM members in and around the border communities has contributed to violence in these areas. Most violent conflicts occur within the gang as disciplinary actions and against victims who refuse to pay the TMM 10% tax. However, reports of violence between TMM and rival gangs are generally low. Transnational Criminal Activity: TMM operates successfully in both Texas and Mexico. Reporting indicates that TMM has active members residing in Mexico who are able to coordinate drug transactions with Mexican cartel members. These transactions promote the trafficking of drugs into Texas for distribution within and outside of the state. Level of Criminal Activity: TMM actively engages in criminal activity, including murder, aggravated assault, extortion, home invasions, and trafficking. Members of the gang often meet the criteria to be charged under the racketeering influenced and corruption organization (RICO) statute. Level of Violence: TMM is known for its propensity for violence. Members often engage in home invasions and extortion tactics, which can result in violent confrontations. TMM is intent on operating under a low profile, and it is likely that many incidences of violence go unreported. In 2008, an indictment was returned alleging that 23 members conspired together to further their criminal enterprise by committing 22 murders, one of which resulted in the beating death of a TMM member with a hammer for withholding money from the gang.

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Prevalence Throughout State: Members are found throughout all areas of the state, with the largest concentration of members located in the areas of Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Additional activity has been noted along the South Texas border from Del Rio to Brownsville. Relationship with Other Gangs: TMM has established peace treaties and manifestos with virtually all of the major prison gangs in Texas. Relationships with other gangs are based upon “respect for respect.” TMM members sometimes develop working relationships with members of other gangs in order to promote their criminal activities. In several prisons, TMM continues to be in conflict with the large group of Mexican nationals known as “Paisas.” Total Strength: The number of confirmed and suspected TMM members statewide is assessed to be over 5,000, which is supported by documentation provided by various criminal justice and law enforcement agencies. Organizational Effectiveness: TMM utilizes a paramilitary hierarchy to conduct their operations in the prison system and in the free world. This type of organizational structure provides an opportunity for law enforcement to disrupt their criminal activities by focusing on and eliminating their top leadership infrastructure.

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Tango Blast Tier 1 Tango Blast is assessed as a Tier 1 gang threat in Texas. This determination is based on the rapid growth of Tango Blast gangs, their high level of criminal activity and propensity for violence -- especially in border communities -- and their relationships with Mexican cartels. Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: Current reporting indicates that Tango Blast gangs in the Rio Grande Valley (Vallucos) and Houston (Houstones) have the most consistent relationship with Mexican cartels, including the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas. Due to their location, the Vallucos gang likely has the strongest relationship with the cartels. However, it is believed that all Tango Blast gangs work on behalf of a cartel to some extent. Contributions to Violence in Border Communities: Based on law enforcement reporting, Tango Blast cliques along the border greatly contribute to the violence that occurs in those communities. The Vallucos and the El Paso Tangos (EPT) are the most prevalent along the Texas-Mexico border and are more likely to engage in border violence. Transnational Criminal Activity: Tango Blast gangs reportedly have engaged in transnational activity, particularly the Vallucos. The Vallucos have also been known to facilitate criminal activity across the border on behalf of other Tango Blast gangs. Some intelligence reporting indicates that there may be safe houses in Mexico for Tango Blast members who have been deported. Level of Criminal Activity: The various Tango Blast gangs actively engage in violent criminal activity, including murder, aggravated assault, and home invasions. They are also heavily involved in vehicle theft, drug trafficking, larceny, burglary, and property damage. Recent intelligence suggests that Vallucos are also involved in human smuggling and weapons smuggling. Level of Violence: The various Tango Blast gangs regularly engage in a high level of violence, including aggravated assaults, home invasions, and murders. The Houstones have been reported to be the most violent of all Tango Blast cliques. Prevalence Throughout State: Tango Blast gangs have formed in all regions in Texas, but the strongest gangs are located in Houston, Dallas (D-Town), Austin, Fort Worth (Foritos), the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio (Orejon), Corpus Christi (Corpitos), El Paso, and West Texas (WTX). As the gang and its reputation have expanded, smaller Tango Blast gangs have begun

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forming in cities such as Victoria, Waco, Uvalde, and Grand Prairie. It is assessed that this growth will continue to occur in other cities as well. Relationship with Other Gangs: Alliances and conflicts between Tango Blast and other gangs typically apply only to the prison environment or to the operating region where the alliance or conflict arose. However, the Tango Blast commonly absorbs smaller, turf-based gangs into its organization. Traditionally, the Tangos do not have good relationships with other prison gangs, especially the Texas Syndicate, as they encroach upon territory that has historically been controlled by the prison gangs. Recently, conflicts have begun to escalate between Tango Blast and Texas Syndicate in both federal and state prisons as well as in the free world. Total Strength: Currently, the membership strength of the Tango Blast is assessed to be 6,000­ 8,000 members in the prison system and in the free world. The current estimated membership for each major Tango gang is: D-Town (1000); Houstones (2544); Orejon’s (2109), Vallucos (320); ATX (377); and Foritos (227). However, it is believed that these numbers are actually much higher in each region. Organizational Effectiveness: Tango Blast does not have an established statewide hierarchy. They are loosely organized in each region and have limited communication between gangs within the same city as well as with other gangs in the state. However, their loose organization enhances their ability to conduct criminal activity in each region and makes it more difficult for law enforcement to target them for disruption.

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Texas Syndicate Tier 1 Texas Syndicate (TS) is assessed as a Tier 1 gang in Texas. It continues to display a propensity for violence and to engage in criminal activity with drug cartels. However, ongoing law enforcement operations throughout the state and the arrest of hierarchy members in Galveston, Dallas and Corpus Christi have impacted their operations. Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: According to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, TS has established a drug trafficking and distribution relationship with various Mexican drug cartels, particularly with the Zetas. More limited business relationships with the Gulf and Sinaloa Cartels, as well as La Familia, have also been established. Contribution to Violence in Border Communities: Members of TS continue to be involved in violent behavior along the border. They have been documented by law enforcement as committing home invasion robberies against rival drug dealers, in which they assault the dealers and steal their drugs or money. TS members have also been suspected in several unsolved murders from the area of Del Rio and Uvalde to the Rio Grande Valley. Transnational Criminal Activity: Based on information from multiple sources, TS members have been found to smuggle drugs such as marijuana and methamphetamine across the border. Likewise, they traffic weapons for cartels to safe houses along the border and taken to Mexico at a later date. TS members are also heavily involved in human smuggling. Level of Criminal Activity: TS actively engages in a diverse range of crimes that includes burglary, extortion, home invasion, assault, robbery, murder, and drug trafficking. Level of Violence: TS members are known for their violent tendencies, particularly with rival gangs as well as members who stray outside the rules of the gang or attempt to defect. Information obtained from various law enforcement agencies recently indicates there were several confrontations with gang members of Tango Blast both inside and outside of the corrections system during the last year due to ongoing tensions between the two gangs. Prevalence throughout the State: Though TS has established itself within every region of Texas, strongholds have been established in metropolitan areas such as Laredo, Houston, Austin, and Corpus Christi. The gang also has a strong presence in the smaller rural cities of the Rio Grande Valley. Significant concentrations of membership are also represented in Dallas, El Paso, Lubbock and Amarillo. Though their presence in these areas is noteworthy, their overall strength is significantly weaker.

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Relationship with other Gangs: TS has been compelled to tolerate other prison gangs on a respect for respect basis as this mutual respect furthers their criminal enterprises. However, tensions remain widespread with respect to the Tango Blast gangs, as they represent the most serious threat in terms of number and possible violence. Total Strength: Based on information from multiple sources, TS membership has been estimated at approximately 3,800 members, including those who are incarcerated and those in the free world. The TS criminal organization is expected to continue growing as they develop plans and update rules to recruit more members. Organizational Effectiveness: TS remains a well-organized prison gang that uses a regional cell structure with a written constitution and set of rules that members are expected to follow. Each area operates as an individual entity, allowing a more cautious environment that makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to disrupt the organization’s criminal pursuits.

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Barrio Azteca Tier 1 The Barrio Azteca (BA) continues to be one of the most violent gangs operating within Texas and is assessed as a Tier 1 gang. The current state of violence affecting Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, largely attributed to the Juarez cartel and BA, has led to an increased focus by law enforcement to target and disrupt the gang. Resulting investigations have led to the arrests of key operational leaders of the BA. However, intelligence indicates that the BA is able to quickly replace those arrested leaders. Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: Recent reporting indicates that the BA still operates as one of the enforcement arms of the Vicente Carrillo Fuentes organization, also known as the Juarez Cartel. This relationship extends to the retail level distribution of drugs in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico as well as into West Texas. Contribution to violence in Border Communities: The community of El Paso is the home base of the BA. The law enforcement entities within this area have documented incidents of violent criminal acts committed by BA members on both sides of the international border. Transnational Criminal Activity: The BA gang is essentially separated by the international border into two factions. However, both the Ciudad Juarez faction and the El Paso faction maintain communications and operate their criminal enterprise in a manner that benefits its members on both sides of the border. Level of Criminal Activity: The BA continues to engage in all levels of criminal activities that include not only drug trafficking but crimes against property and persons. Level of Violence: BA members continue to display extreme levels of violence and are considered some of the most dangerous criminals in the area. They use violent offenses -­ including murder, assault, kidnapping, and threats/intimidation -- to maintain control of their criminal enterprises and to fend off adversaries. Prevalence Throughout the State: The BA is centered in the area of El Paso and Southern New Mexico. Current investigative efforts being conducted by both law enforcement agencies in the area have identified active BA groups operating in Midland, Odessa, Plainview, and Lubbock. Relationship with Other Gangs: The BA continues to maintain amicable relationships with many of the other street gangs that are present in El Paso. Recent reporting indicates that Sureno gang members, with ties to Southern California, are increasing in number in the El Paso area and are currently in conflict with the BA.

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Total Strength: The membership of the BA is assessed at over 3,000 members. Organizational Effectiveness: The BA hierarchal structure has undergone some recent developments, though it remains essentially unchanged. Law enforcement initiatives targeting the BA have resulted in several key arrests of operational leaders. However, intelligence indicates that these leaders are quickly replaced.

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Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) Tier 2 Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) represents a significant and growing threat to the state of Texas. Recent orders to operate independently of other gangs and to conceal their gang affiliation from law enforcement suggest intentions to become a dominant gang within the state of Texas. Their propensity for violence, profit-based operations and intentions to increase their activities within the state create opportunities for criminal enterprise and violent crimes. MS-13 is currently assessed as a Tier 2 gang, mostly due to its relatively lower membership numbers. Increased membership would likely result in a Tier 1 assessment of the gang. Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: Intelligence reporting reveals that members of MS-13 have established a consistent relationship with Mexican cartels, including the Sinaloa cartel and Los Zetas. MS-13 has historically served in a mercenary capacity for both of these organizations, conducting directed kidnappings and assassinations. Contribution to Violence in Border Communities: Intelligence indicates that Los Zetas have traveled to El Salvador for the sole purpose of recruiting hardened gang members. If additional MS-13 members are recruited by Los Zetas, their presence will increase on the border, as will their contribution to border violence. Transnational Criminal Activity: MS-13 is a transnational gang with known cliques in the United States, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. They are reportedly engaged in smuggling drugs, weapons, and people across the border. Level of Criminal Activity: MS-13 actively engages in criminal activity including murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, extortion, home invasions and the smuggling/trafficking of drugs, weapons and people. Intelligence indicates that they are continually participating "coyote rips," in which they commandeer control of a group of human smuggling victims. Level of Violence: MS-13 is known for its propensity for violence. Members often engage in crimes such as aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and extortion. Additionally, information indicates a high level of murder while in the commission of another offense. Prevalence Throughout State: MS-13 cliques have formed throughout the state, with the largest concentration of members located in Houston. Law enforcement has indicated that a large number of MS-13 members travel through Texas while en route to the Northeast United States. Relationship with Other Gangs: MS-13 members have been known to join Tango Blast while incarcerated. However, recent reports indicate that MS-13 members have been ordered to break

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alliances with any gang other than MS-13 within the prison system, to include Mexican Mafia and Tango Blast. Total Strength: The number of confirmed and suspected MS-13 members statewide is assessed to be over 500. Organizational Effectiveness: MS-13 are loosely organized cliques with no known central hierarchy. There is limited communication between cliques within the same city as well as with other cliques in the state. Each clique has a leader -- referred to as a shot caller -- who makes decision for that particular clique. It has been reported that MS-13 cliques in Texas follow instructions from leaders in California and El Salvador.

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The Almighty Latin Kings Tier 2 The Latin Kings in Texas have experienced several setbacks due to increased law enforcement actions to disrupt the gangs’ criminal activities. The focus on targeting the hierarchal leaders appears to be effective in interrupting their illegal activity around the state. The Latin Kings have a nationwide presence and recognize the significance of Texas as a prime strategic location for providing a supply of drugs for the gang. We assess that the Latin Kings will strive to reestablish a strong presence in the state and reorganize with a better understanding of how to evade future law enforcement efforts to disrupt their activities. However, the Latin Kings face considerable competition with Mexican Mafia and Texas Syndicate, who control most of the lucrative drug routes. Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: Members of the Latin Kings have a drug trafficking and distribution relationship with Mexican drug cartels, though the gang does not have an exclusive relationship with any particular cartel. The gang has the capability to traffic wholesale quantities of drugs obtained from traffickers in Juarez, Matamoros, Mexicali, Nogales, and Tijuana. Contribution to Violence in Border Communities: Based on law enforcement reporting, Latin Kings operating along the border contribute to the violence that occurs in those communities. For example, in December 2008 law enforcement officials arrested Latin King members involved in violent crimes, including murder and cocaine trafficking, from South Texas to Big Spring, Lubbock, and Midland. Transnational Criminal Activity: Based on intelligence gathered from both federal and local agencies, members of the Latin Kings engage in trafficking drugs and weapons across the border as well as human smuggling. Level of Criminal Activity: A full spectrum of crimes are committed by Latin Kings members, including drug trafficking/distribution, alien smuggling, aggravated assaults and drive-by shootings, and murder. The majority of crimes committed by Latin King members are drugrelated. Members in the southern region of Texas work together with other members and other gangs around the state to supply drugs for distribution, mainly cocaine and marijuana. Level of Violence: The level of violence committed by Latin Kings members is high. In addition to targeting rival gang members, Latin King members have been known to beat, stab, and shoot their own members who disobey the gang’s rules or if an internal struggle for power is detected. Prevalence Throughout State: Members are found throughout the state, with the largest concentration of members located in Uvalde, the Rio Grande Valley, Big Spring, Lubbock, and Bryan.

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Relationship with Other Gangs: The Latin Kings do not presently have a formal alliance with any particular gang. Law enforcement reporting indicates that members in the Rio Grande Valley will work with any gang if it helps facilitate drug sales and they are often reported working together with Tango Blast (Vallucos). Many Latin King members that are incarcerated often join Tango Blast while they are incarcerated, and then return to the Latin Kings after they are released. Total Strength: Latin King membership in Texas is estimated at 7,000. Organizational Effectiveness: Historically, the Latin Kings have used a strict hierarchy supported by a written constitution called the King Manifesto. Intelligence reports indicate the Texas Latin Kings adherence to the hierarchy varies between regions. In the Rio Grande Valley area, a hierarchy is established but it is not rigid and absolute. Members work fairly independently with little influence and instruction from ranking membership. On the other hand, the Latin King hierarchy in Southeast Texas around Bryan-College Station reflects stricter adherance to the constitution.

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Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos Tier 2 Despite the small size and the recent disruption by law enforcement operations, the Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos )HPL) remains a violent and formidable organization. Current intelligence indicates that the gang is regaining strength and reorganizing. With its propensity for violence and strong business relationships with Mexican drug cartels, the HPL will continue to pose a significant ongoing threat to the state of Texas. Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: Current intelligence indicates that HPL members operating in the Laredo and Nuevo Laredo area have strong business connections with the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas. HPL members are believed to purchase drugs directly from the Gulf Cartel and to work with Los Zetas to facilitate the transport of drugs into Texas. Contribution to Violence in Border Communities: Members of HPL continue to be involved in violent behavior in border communities to which law enforcement has linked the HPL to numerous drive-by shootings in the Laredo area. HPL members commit home invasion robberies against rival drug dealers and assaults and murders against rival prison gangs as well as their own rank-and-file members. Transnational Criminal Activity: The Laredo-Nuevo Laredo corridor is considered an HPL stronghold and provides a significant opportunity for drug and weapons trafficking as well as human smuggling. Level of Criminal Activity: The HPL actively participate in extreme levels of criminal activity, including murder, aggravated assault, home invasions, and smuggling. HPL members are also known to commit other crimes including kidnappings, prostitution, gambling rackets, money laundering and burglaries. Level of Violence: The HPL are known for their high level of violence. HPL members have committed assaults and murders against rival prison and street gangs, as well as their own rank-and-file members. In 2003, an HPL captain from Houston was killed and dismembered by members of his own gang after they suspected he had cooperated with law enforcement. Prevalence Throughout State: The membership of the HPL is most prevalent in prison facilities across the state, with free world strongholds in Laredo and Houston and emerging growth in Beeville, Corpus Christi and Victoria. Relationship with Other Gangs: Current intelligence indicates that the HPL has entered into a peace (respect for respect) treaty with the Texas Syndicate. The HPL is known to strike peace

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alliances with other gangs in order to conduct illicit business. However, these agreements are tenuous. Total Strength: The number of confirmed and suspected HPL members is estimated at 1,700, which includes incarcerated members as well as free world members on both sides of the U.S.­ Mexico border. Organizational Effectiveness: The HPL uses a rigid paramilitary hierarchy supported by a written constitution, strict control mechanisms, intimidation, and violence. This combination has created resilience within the HPL that has been able to withstand infighting and fluid leadership.

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Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Tier 2 The Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) is a prison gang that first organized in the early 1980s around a white supremacist belief system. Today, ABT operates inside and outside of the prison system and claims that its racist ideology is secondary to its criminal interests. ABT is most commonly linked to methamphetamine production and distribution, but members have also been connected to theft, burglary, identity theft, credit card fraud and increasingly, weapons trafficking. While not a major statewide threat when compared to other gangs, the ABT is a large and persistent gang that will continue to pursue criminal activity. Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: There is some intelligence indicating that certain individual ABT members have relationships with Mexican drug cartels, but this appears to be rare. Contribution to Violence in Border Communities: There is limited intelligence indicating that ABT is directly involved in border violence. Transnational Criminal Activity: Intelligence various sources indicates there may be a trend toward cross-border activity for the gang. ABT members have been found in possession of Mexican methamphetamine and there have been some reports indicating that
ABT is trafficking both stolen weapons and vehicles into Mexico.
Level of Criminal Activity: The ABT is a highly violent group. Members are frequently arrested for assault, sexual assault, kidnapping and murder. The gang is also well-known for methamphetamine manufacture and distribution, theft and burglary. Also, in recent years, ABT members have shown an increased interest in weapons trafficking. Level of Violence: ABT is well-known for its violence but the overwhelming majority of incidents, including kidnapping, assault and murder occur internally, with ABT most often attacking fellow members. Also, there have been several incidents in which ABT members either attacked police officers or threatened to do so. Prevalence throughout the State: ABT divides itself into five regional commands with members living in every part of Texas. The greatest concentration of ABT can be found in Houston and Southeast Texas, but the gang also has significant members in Dallas-Fort Worth and Northeast Texas. Relationship with other Gangs: This year, ABT entered into a peace treaty with longtime rivals the Aryan Circle. Additionally, the gang made a “respect for respect” agreement with the Mexican Mafia and has been linked to the Texas Syndicate and Barrio Azteca.

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Total Strength: Information from various sources, ABT membership is estimated at 3,500. Organizational Effectiveness: ABT is not a highly effective organization despite its paramilitary structure. A feud that divided the gang into factions in 2001 continues today; there is little indication that reconciliation is likely. Furthermore, internal strife is rampant within each faction as individual members constantly undercut and usurp one another in an effort to gain rank. Widespread methamphetamine addiction among members is also a major factor threatening ABT’s effectiveness.

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Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Tier 2 The Bandidos OMG conduct their illegal activities as covertly as possible and avoid high profile activities such as drive by shootings that many street gangs are prone to commit. They seek to turn public sentiment in their favor by organizing frequent charity runs. These efforts could contribute to less scrutiny by local law enforcement. The Bandidos OMG are likely to continue boosting recruitment efforts to combat a possible Hells Angels incursion. This includes bolstering their numbers within the gang itself as well as in their support clubs. The Bandidos are likely to focus on recruiting new members with no criminal history. These members will allow greater access to weapons and infiltration of government agencies that possess valuable personal information in addition to law enforcement intelligence. Threat Criteria Relationship with Cartels: Past and present intelligence reporting suggests that members of the Bandidos have a business-type trafficking and distribution relationship with Mexican drug trafficking organizations, though the gang does not have an exclusive relationship with any particular cartel. The gang has the capability to traffic wholesale quantities of drugs obtained from traffickers in Mexico into the United States. Contribution to Violence in Border Communities: Although the Bandidos have a business relationship with Mexican drug cartels, the Bandidos are not a direct contributor to the violence on the border. The Bandidos OMG seek to keep a low profile; therefore, members try to avoid using public or excessive acts of violence. Transnational Criminal Activity: Based on intelligence gathered from multiple sources, members of the Bandidos engage in trafficking drugs and weapons across the border. Many members travel internationally to conduct business. Level of Criminal Activity: The Bandidos OMG is a criminal organization known to be involved in a diverse mixture of criminal enterprises, including but not limited to theft, extortion, prostitution, drug trafficking, and murder. While methamphetamines remain popular among members, cocaine and marijuana are also widely used and distributed. With chapters throughout the U.S. and the world, the Bandidos have a distribution network that allows them to traffic drugs, weapons, and stolen motorcycles. Level of Violence: Although Bandidos attempt to maintain a low profile to avoid scrutiny by law enforcement, the gang will resort to violence to defend its territory and drug routes against any intrusion. In the past, members have not been dissuaded from starting violent confrontations in public places such as bars or rallies with individuals believed to be disrespecting the gang.

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Prevalence Throughout State: Bandidos have chapters across the state. The fastest growing and largest concentration is in North Texas. Relationship with Other Gangs: Bandidos do not have a formal alliance with any other street gang. Bandidos will work with any criminal organization that will result in monetary gain. Total Strength: The Bandidos Motorcycle Gang has an estimated membership of 2,000 to 2,500 persons in the United States and in 13 other countries. Law enforcement sources estimate that the Bandidos OMG is one of the two largest outlaw motorcycle gangs operating in the United States, with approximately 900 members belonging to 93 chapters. Organizational Effectiveness: The Bandidos OMG are organized in a paramilitary structure. The gang’s rigid hierarchy is due to a large number of its members being former military. This structure allows the Bandidos to conduct their criminal activities proficiently and effectively.

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Appendix 2: Law Enforcement Strategies

The multijurisdictional and expanding nature of the threat posed by violent transnational gangs requires a fully integrated approach to impact the State’s most problematic gangs. Reducing the gang threat will require a coordinated initiative harnessing local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as prosecutors statewide. Combing intelligence, patrol, investigative and prosecution resources to target mid-level and senior gang leadership and their operational networks will maximize the impact on seemingly intractable criminal enterprises. Establishing multi agency gang enforcement centers in high threat areas would enable the effective and efficient execution of this strategy. Working together, investigators and prosecutors can ensure that anti-gang cases successfully exploit certain underutilized statutes that can aid in the successful prosecution of senior and mid-level leadership. For example, Conspiracy (Texas Penal Code Section 15.02) applies aggregate amounts of evidence against all participants. Section 15.02 can be used to prosecute upper-level participants who have kept themselves at arms length from criminal acts they have ordered. In addition, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Texas Penal Code Section 71.02) allows prosecutors to enhance penalties for members of a combination or criminal street gang. As a result of applying under-used penal codes, law enforcement and prosecutors will be able to maximize prosecutorial effect against higher numbers of defendants involved in criminal gang enterprises.

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Appendix 3: Other Contributing Agencies

Agencies participating in Operation Border Star are listed below.
Sheriff's Offices COASTAL BEND Aransas Co SO Bee Co SO Brooks Co SO Calhoun Co SO Dewitt Co SO Goliad Co SO Gonzales Co SO Jackson Co SO Jim Wells Co SO Karnes Co SO Kleberg Co SO Lavaca Co SO Live Oak Co SO McMullen Co SO Nueces Co SO Refugio Co SO San Patricio Co SO Victoria Co SO Volunteer Sheriff's Offices COASTAL BEND Matagorda Co SO Wharton Co SO Guadalupe Co SO Police Departments COASTAL BEND Corpus Christi PD Kingsville PD Victoria PD RGV Brownsville PD Harlingen PD Hidalgo PD La Grulla PD La Joya PD McAllen PD Mercedes PD Mission PD Palmview PD Penitas PD Pharr PD Raymondville PD Roma PD Rio Grande City PD San Benito PD Weslaco PD LAREDO Laredo PD Dilley PD Pearsall PD DEL RIO Del Rio PD MARFA Alpine PD Fort Stockton PD Pecos PD Presidio PD EL PASO EL Paso PD Anthony PD Horizon PD Socorro PD Ysleta Del Sur PD RGV LAREDO DEL RIO Edwards Co SO MARFA Midland Co SO Ward Co SO Eddy Co SO (NM) EL PASO RGV Cameron Co SO Hidalgo Co SO Kenedy Co SO Willacy Co SO Starr Co SO LAREDO Duval Co SO Frio Co SO Jim Hogg Co SO La Salle Co SO Webb Co SO Zapata Co SO DEL RIO Dimmit Co SO Kinney Co SO Maverick Co SO Real Co SO Val Verde Co SO Uvalde Co SO Zavala Co SO MARFA Brewster Co SO Culberson Co SO Hudspeth Co SO Jeff Davis Co SO Pecos Co SO Presidio Co SO Reeves Co SO Terrell Co SO EL PASO El Paso Co SO Dona Ana Co SO (NM) Grant Co SO (NM) Hidalgo Co SO (NM) Luna Co SO (NM) Otero Co SO (NM)

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Volunteer Police Departments COASTAL BEND Alice PD Bay City PD Corpus Christi Port Authority PD Driscoll PD El Campo PD George West PD Hallettsville PD Orange Grove PD Port Lavaca PD Robstown PD Rockport PD Seguin PD Sinton PD Three Rivers PD Volunteer Other Locals COASTAL BEND Nueces Co Precinct 3 Constable RGV Hidalgo Co Precinct 1 Constable LAREDO DEL RIO 38th Judicial District MARFA EL PASO RGV Alamo PD Falfurrias PD Donna PD Port Isabel PD LAREDO DEL RIO MARFA Odessa PD EL PASO

Hidalgo Co Precinct 3 Constable

Dimmit Co Constable

Hidalgo Co Precinct 4 Constable

Dimmit Co Constable

State COASTAL BEND DPS TMF TxDOT TPWD Federal COASTAL BEND ATF CBP-OFO DEA FBI Houston HIDTA ICE South TX HIDTA USBP USPS USCG RGV CBP-OFO ICE South TX HIDTA USBP USCG LAREDO ATF CBP-OFO DEA FBI ICE USBP US Marshalls DEL RIO CBP-OFO ICE NPS South TX HIDTA USBP USCG MARFA CBP-OFO ICE NPS West TX HIDTA USBP EL PASO CBP-OFO ICE West TX HIDTA USBP TPWD TPWD TPWD TPWD TPWD RGV DPS TMF LAREDO DPS TMF DEL RIO DPS TMF MARFA DPS TMF EL PASO DPS TMF

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Private COASTAL BEND Union Pacific RR PD RGV LAREDO DEL RIO MARFA EL PASO

County OBS Members OBS Volunteers OBS NM OBS Volunteer NM Total 44 6 6 1 57

County Agencies 0 7 0 4

PDs 32 19 0 51

State 4 0 0 4

Federal 13 0 0 13

Many agencies also contribute to the TXGANG database. For example, the agencies listed below have submitted information since the latest version of the database was implemented in October 2009. Alice PD Amarillo PD Beeville PD Bryan PD Bureau of ATF, Beaumont Field Office Carrollton PD College Station PD Conroe PD Corpus Christi PD Sinton District Attorney's Office Donna ISD PD Texas DPS Ellis County SO Everman PD Farmers Branch PD Fort Bend County SO Galveston County SO Garland PD Hays County SO Hidalgo County SO Hill County SO Houston PD Humble ISD PD Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Austin Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Harlingen Irving PD Kenedy PD Kerr County SO Killeen PD La Marque PD Lancaster PD
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Lewisville PD Longview PD McLennan County SO Metropolitan Transit Authority PD, Houston Midland PD Montgomery County SO New Braunfels PD Nueces County SO Onalaska PD Parker County SO Pharr PD Robstown PD Rosenberg PD Santa Fe PD Spring Branch ISD PD Temple PD Texas City PD The Colony PD Tiki Island PD Tom Green County SO Travis County SO Tyler PD Wharton PD Williamson County SO

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References

This assessment was produced based on primarily intelligence information of a sensitive nature, which is not referenced specifically. Information from other sources is referenced below.
1

Criminal justice and law enforcement agencies have designated many prison gangs as Security Threat Groups, a determination that reflects the threat posed by the gang and the policies employed by prison officials to combat the gang. 2 Office of the Attorney General, State of Texas, Gang Resource System 3 Homeland Security Newswire, "Drug cartels employ women assassins (sicarias) in broad killing campaign," 19 August 2010 4 Texas Department of Public Safety, "DPS warns parents: Mexican cartels and gangs recruiting in Texas schools," 17 November 2009 5 Reflects the assessed presence of gang members throughout Texas, based on quantitative information and analytical judgments. 6 National Gang Intelligence Center, National Gang Threat Assessment 2009 7 Information provided by Texas Department of Criminal Justice regarding the offense of record for confirmed members of the six Security Threat Groups that fall into the Tier 1 and Tier 2 categories. Data current as of 30 June 2010. 8 Office of the Attorney General, State of Texas, The Texas Response to Human Trafficking, Report to the 81st Legislature

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