© Getty Images

America's tumultuous relationship with gangs -

From the rough-and-tumble streets of 19th-century New York to the sun-drenched alleys of Los Angeles, gangs have woven a complex tapestry into America's urban history. Initially formed as brotherhoods and protection societies among immigrant communities, these groups evolved over the decades. The Prohibition era of the 1920s, for instance, saw a dramatic rise in organized crime as gangs dove into the lucrative world of illegal alcohol.

© Getty Images

The evolution of gang activity -

As America transitioned through the years, so did its gangs, adapting to societal changes and technological advancements. The latter half of the 20th century marked a shift towards narcotics trafficking, significantly altering the gang landscape. Cities witnessed the rise of powerful street gangs, with activities that now span across distribution, arms smuggling, and even cybercrime, demonstrating a sophisticated and global reach. 

© Getty Images

A closer look at the epicenters -

Gang influence in the United States is not uniformly distributed, with certain states bearing the brunt more than others. California, Texas, and Illinois, for instance, stand out due to their significant gang populations and related criminal activities. These states, with their sprawling urban centers, offer fertile ground for gang operations and recruitment, perpetuating cycles of violence and crime.

© Getty Images

The front lines -

In response to the escalating gang menace, law enforcement agencies have bolstered their efforts. Initiatives range from specialized gang task forces to community policing strategies aimed at prevention. The FBI's Safe Streets Task Force and the ATF's Project Safe Neighborhoods are prime examples of federal-led efforts that collaborate with local agencies to dismantle gang networks and curb violence.

© Getty Images

Unveiling the shadows -

The site Insider Monkey performed extensive research and performed qualitative and quantitative analyses to determine the most dangerous gangs operating in the US. Crime data, gang-related incidents, and their impacts on communities were taken into account, as well as the scope of criminal activities, violence levels, and influence within and beyond state lines. Click on for a comprehensive list. 

© Getty Images

The Aryan Brotherhood -

Founded in the 1960s within the California prison system, the Aryan Brotherhood, also known as "The Brand," has grown into one of the most feared white supremacist prison gangs in America. Despite its members constituting a small fraction of the overall prison population, their influence extends beyond the bars, involving trafficking, extortion, and violent crimes, driven by a rigid, hate-fueled ideology.

© Getty Images

The Surenos -

The Surenos (or Sur 13) emerged from the Mexican Mafia prison gang and maintain a strict allegiance with them. Involved in trafficking, murder, and human smuggling, their reach extends beyond California, affecting communities across the United States with their violent and territorial disputes, particularly against their northern rivals, the Nortenos.

© Getty Images

The Outlaws Motorcycle Club -

Founded in 1935, the Outlaws MC stands as one of the oldest motorcycle clubs that have embraced an outlaw stance. With a strong presence across the United States and extending internationally, they engage in trafficking, weapons smuggling, and violent acts against rival bike gangs. Their motto, "God Forgives, Outlaws Don't," encapsulates their ruthless ethos.

© Getty Images

The Mongols Motorcycle Club -

The Mongols MC was established in Montebello, California, in 1969, quickly earning a reputation for their fierce rivalry with the Hells Angels. Their criminal activities encompass trafficking, assault, and extortion. The Mongols are known for their tight-knit community and a fierce loyalty that drives their expansion and operations across several states.

© Getty Images

The Vagos Motorcycle Club -

Formed in the 1960s in Southern California, the Vagos MC has expanded its reach throughout the Western United States and into Mexico. Their criminal portfolio includes trafficking, weapons smuggling, and money laundering. The Vagos' green insignia is a common sight in areas where they exert significant influence, often sparking tension with law enforcement and rival gangs.

© Getty Images

The 18th Street Gang -

With roots stretching back to Los Angeles in the 1960s, the 18th Street Gang has evolved into a transnational criminal organization. Its members, numbering in the tens of thousands, engage in a wide range of criminal activities, from trafficking to illegal immigration schemes. This gang's notorious for its violent rivalry with MS-13 and its open recruitment policy, contributing to its vast growth and influence.

© Getty Images

The Latin Kings -

The Latin Kings, one of the largest and most organized Hispanic street gangs, was formed in Chicago in the 1950s. With a structured hierarchy and strict code of conduct, they're involved in various criminal activities, including trafficking, assault, and murder. Their influence spans across the US, with a particularly strong presence in the Midwest and Northeast, making them a significant target for law enforcement.

© Getty Images

The Black Guerrilla Family -

Originally established in the San Quentin State Prison, California, in 1966, the Black Guerrilla Family (BGF) is unique for its foundation in Black Power ideologies. However, the gang's operations extend beyond activism into trafficking, racketeering, and violent crimes. Their influence, deeply rooted in both prison and street-level activities, underscores a complex blend of political motives and criminal endeavors.

© Getty Images

Nortenos -

In direct opposition to the Surenos, the Nortenos affiliate themselves with the Nuestra Familia prison gang. Predominantly based in Northern California, their activities include trafficking, robbery, and murder, fueled by a fierce loyalty to their northern roots. The red bandanas of the Nortenos signal their presence and mark territories fraught with gang rivalry and violence.

© Getty Images

Barrio Azteca -

Originating in the jails of El Paso, Texas, during the late 1980s, Barrio Azteca has grown into a formidable transnational gang. Engaging in trafficking, human smuggling, and assassination, their operations span across the United States and Mexico, illustrating the challenges of policing gangs with significant cross-border influence.

© Getty Images

Vice Lords -

As one of Chicago's oldest street gangs, the Vice Lords have transitioned from a social group in the 1950s into a violent criminal organization. Engaged in sales, extortion, and violent crime, their impact on Chicago's West Side is profound, contributing to the city's ongoing struggle with gang violence and organized crime.

© Getty Images

Trinitarios -

Formed in the New York State prison system in 1989, the Trinitarios have quickly risen to prominence for their violent enforcement and trafficking operations within the Dominican community. Their rapid growth and aggressive tactics, especially in New York City, highlight the evolving nature of gang dynamics in urban settings.

© Getty Images

The Hells Angels -

Founded in 1948 in Fontana, California, the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club has become emblematic of the outlaw biker culture, involved in trafficking, weapons smuggling, and violent conflict with rival motorcycle clubs. Their global presence and iconic insignia represent a longstanding challenge to both national and international law enforcement agencies.

© Getty Images

The Texas Syndicate -

Originally formed in the 1970s as a protective group for Texan inmates against other prison gangs, the Texas Syndicate has grown into a dominant force in Texas and beyond. Their operations, mainly trafficking and extortion, showcase a sophisticated criminal enterprise with a strict code of conduct that underscores their formidable presence within the prison system and on the streets.

© Getty Images

La Cosa Nostra -

La Cosa Nostra, the American branch of the Sicilian Mafia, has been a cornerstone of organized crime in the United States since the early 20th century. Involved in everything from illegal gambling and loan sharking to labor racketeering and extortion, their influence, though diminished from its peak, still permeates through various sectors of the economy, maintaining their status among the country's most dangerous criminal organizations.

© Getty Images

The MS-13 -

Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, has become synonymous with extreme violence and criminal sophistication. Originating from war-torn El Salvador, they've established a significant presence in the United States, engaging in substances and human trafficking, murder for hire, and extortion, often targeting immigrant communities.

© Getty Images

The Russian Mafia -

Post-Cold War, the Russian Mafia made significant inroads into the United States, establishing a network involved in trafficking, white-collar crime, and human trafficking. Known for their ruthless efficiency and global connections, they've carved out a niche within America's criminal underworld, presenting a unique challenge to law enforcement with their transnational operations.

© Getty Images

The Irish Mob -

One of the oldest organized crime groups in the United States, the Irish Mob has been active since the 19th century, engaging in bootlegging, narcotics, and racketeering. With strongholds in cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and New York, their blend of traditional and modern criminal activities has ensured their survival and continued relevance in the complex tapestry of American gangland. 

© Public Domain

The Triads -

Chinese Triads, with their origins dating back centuries, operate within the United States in various capacities, including trafficking, human smuggling, and counterfeiting. Their deep roots in Chinese communities and sophisticated international networks complicate efforts to curtail their activities, highlighting the global nature of gang threats.

© Getty Images

The Yakuza -

Though primarily based in Japan, the Yakuza's operations extend into the United States, particularly in areas of high-stakes illegal gambling, money laundering, and the trade. Their structured organization and strict code of ethics, combined with a penchant for extreme violence, make them a noteworthy element within the international criminal landscape encountered on American soil.

© Getty Images

The Bandidos Motorcycle Club -

Established in 1966 in Texas, the Bandidos MC has expanded internationally, known for its involvement in the trade, weapons smuggling, and violent conflicts with other motorcycle clubs. Their motto, "We are the people our parents warned us about," aptly reflects their outlaw ethos and the threat they pose to public safety.

© Getty Images

The Zetas -

Originally formed as a group of defectors from the Mexican Special Forces, the Zetas have evolved into one of the most brutal and powerful cartels operating along the U.S.-Mexico border. Their activities, including trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion, are marked by a level of brutality that has become their signature, affecting both Mexican and U.S. territories.

© Getty Images

The Crips and Bloods -

The rivalry between the Crips and the Bloods, two of Los Angeles' most notorious street gangs, has become emblematic of urban gang warfare in America. Engaged in trafficking, armed robbery, and a cycle of retaliatory violence, their decades-long feud has had a profound impact on the communities caught in the crossfire, symbolizing the entrenched nature of gang violence in urban America.

Source: (Insider Monkey)

See also: The countries most affected by gangs

© Getty Images