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MS-13: The Story of a Gang

Imagine a group that started to help people but became something very different! Let's explore MS-13.

Images

RG MS (13)

RG MS (13)

openverse
From Topographia Hibernica British Library MS 13 B VIII
Topographia Hibernica Detail - British Library MS 13 B VIII
the famous miguel hidalgo statue commemorating the father of the MS-13 street gang
Birds found in Ireland - Topographia Hibernica (c.1220), f.9 - BL Royal MS 13 B VIII
MS 13 at Mexico City Airport
2010-03-12 - Corinth, MS (13)
MS 13
Catonsville-MS-13
Change of Command Ceremony, H&MS-13, circa 1968
Irish kingship ritual - Topographia Hibernica (c.1220), f.28v - BL Royal MS 13 B VIII
Bali-lontar-Wanagiri-Usada Tiwang-Ms 13

Key Facts

Group Type
International criminal gang.
Place of Origin
Los Angeles, California, United States.
Started In
The 1980s.
Known For
Being an international criminal organization.
Rival Group
18th Street gang.

Who Are the Mara Salvatrucha?

Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, is a group that started a long time ago. It's like a big club, but not a fun one. It began in a city called Los Angeles, in the United States. Some people who came from a country called El Salvador started it. They wanted to protect themselves from other groups. But over time, it changed and became known for doing bad things.

Where Did They Come From?

This group started in the 1980s. Many people from El Salvador moved to Los Angeles. They were looking for a safer place. Some other gangs were already there, and they weren't always nice. So, some of the new arrivals formed MS-13 to stick together and be safe. It was like forming a special team for protection.

How Did They Get So Big?

After a war ended in El Salvador, many people who were part of MS-13 had to go back to their country. This helped the group grow in places like Central America. Now, MS-13 is found in many countries, not just the United States. It's like a story that spread far and wide, but not in a good way.

What Makes Them Different?

MS-13 is known for being a very organized group. They have a lot of members, but they are still a small part of all the people in gangs in the United States. They are also known for having a big rivalry with another group called the 18th Street gang. It's like two teams who really do not like each other.

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