Texas Gang Threat Assement 2010

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Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010
Provided by http://MontgomeryTX.CountyMonitor.com
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
1
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 1
Key Analytical Judgments 2
Table of Contents 3
Acknowledgments 4
Overview of State Intelligence Estimates 5
Preface 6
Introduction 7
Prioritization and Criteria 8
Gang Organization 10
Regional Assessments 13
Gang Involvement in Criminal Activity 18
Outlook 20
Appendix 1: Overview of Significant Gangs 21
Appendix 2: Law Enforcement Strategies 40
Appendix 3: Other Contributing Agencies 41
References 45
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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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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 gang-
related 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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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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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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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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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.
5
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
7
Figure 4: Offense of record for incarcerated prison gang members in Texas prisons
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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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.
20
Appendix 1: Overview of Significant Gangs
The following pages provide a more detailed overview of the most significant gangs in Texas.
21
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.
22
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.
23
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
24
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.
25
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.
26
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.
27
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.
28
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.
29
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
30
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.
31
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.

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 drug-
related. 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.
32
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.
33
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.

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
34
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.
35
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.
36
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.
37
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.
38
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.
39
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.
40
Appendix 3: Other Contributing Agencies
Agencies participating in Operation Border Star are listed below.
Sheriff's Offices
COASTAL BEND RGV LAREDO DEL RIO MARFA EL PASO

Aransas Co SO Cameron Co SO Duval Co SO Dimmit Co SO Brewster Co SO El Paso Co SO
Bee Co SO Hidalgo Co SO Frio Co SO Kinney Co SO Culberson Co SO Dona Ana Co SO (NM)
Brooks Co SO Kenedy Co SO Jim Hogg Co SO Maverick Co SO Hudspeth Co SO Grant Co SO (NM)
Calhoun Co SO Willacy Co SO La Salle Co SO Real Co SO Jeff Davis Co SO Hidalgo Co SO (NM)
Dewitt Co SO Starr Co SO Webb Co SO Val Verde Co SO Pecos Co SO Luna Co SO (NM)
Goliad Co SO Zapata Co SO Uvalde Co SO Presidio Co SO Otero Co SO (NM)
Gonzales Co SO Zavala Co SO Reeves Co SO
Jackson Co SO Terrell 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

Matagorda Co SO Edwards Co SO Midland Co SO
Wharton Co SO Ward Co SO
Guadalupe Co SO Eddy Co SO (NM)
Police Departments

Corpus Christi PD Brownsville PD Laredo PD Del Rio PD Alpine PD EL Paso PD
Kingsville PD Harlingen PD Dilley PD Fort Stockton PD Anthony PD
Victoria PD Hidalgo PD Pearsall PD Pecos PD Horizon PD
La Grulla PD Presidio PD Socorro PD
La Joya PD Ysleta Del Sur 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
41
Volunteer Police Departments

Alice PD Alamo PD Odessa PD
Bay City PD Falfurrias PD
Corpus Christi Port Donna PD
Authority PD
Driscoll PD Port Isabel 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

Nueces Co Precinct 3 Hidalgo Co Precinct 38th Judicial
Constable 1 Constable District
Hidalgo Co Precinct Dimmit Co

3 Constable Constable
Hidalgo Co Precinct Dimmit Co

4 Constable Constable
State

DPS DPS DPS DPS DPS DPS
TMF TMF TMF TMF TMF TMF
TxDOT
TPWD TPWD TPWD TPWD TPWD TPWD
Federal

ATF CBP-OFO ATF CBP-OFO CBP-OFO CBP-OFO
CBP-OFO ICE CBP-OFO ICE ICE ICE
DEA South TX HIDTA DEA NPS NPS West TX HIDTA
FBI USBP FBI South TX HIDTA West TX HIDTA USBP
Houston HIDTA USCG ICE USBP USBP
ICE USBP USCG
South TX HIDTA US Marshalls
USBP
USPS
USCG
42
Private

Union Pacific RR PD
County County Agencies PDs State Federal

OBS Members 44 0 32 4 13
OBS Volunteers 6 7 19 0 0
OBS NM 6 0 0 0 0
OBS Volunteer NM 1
Total 57 4 51 4 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
43
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
44
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
45

Texas Gang Threat Assement 2010

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Provided by http://MontgomeryTX.CountyMonitor.

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

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

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Key Analytical Judgments

• Gangs are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime in our communities,

• As the Mexican cartels increase their reliance on transnational gangs in Texas to

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Key Analytical Judgments 2

Overview of State Intelligence Estimates 5

Prioritization and Criteria 8

Gang Involvement in Criminal Activity 18

Appendix 1: Overview of Significant Gangs 21

Appendix 2: Law Enforcement Strategies 40

Appendix 3: Other Contributing Agencies 41

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

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

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Overview of State Intelligence Estimates

State Intelligence Estimates are multi-agency assessments on issues relating to homeland

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

(2) gang involvement in trafficking of persons.

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

"Criminal street gang" means three or more persons having a common

In addition, this assessment recognizes other common definitions of traditional gang

Outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs) are defined as highly organized criminal

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Prioritization and Criteria

Figure 1: Texas Fusion Center 2010 Gang Rankings

The nine factors included in the threat assessment matrix include:

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

• Contribution to Violence in Border Communities: This factor assesses the degree to

• Organizational Effectiveness: This factor examines the sophistication of the

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Paramilitary models include a hierarchical structure with clear distinction between

Loose Affiliation gangs have relaxed membership requirements and little to no

Race and Gangs

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Females and Gangs

Special Focus: Gangs' Relationships with Mexican Cartels

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Gangs use a variety of methods to identify themselves,

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Figure 2 provides an overview of where gang activity is concentrated in Texas, based on

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Figure 3: Regional map of Texas

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010

Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2010