They are highly organized along paramilitary lines with a supreme leader and a central committee. The BGF, also known as the Black Family or the Black Vanguard, was founded in San Quentin in 1966. They are often involved in crimes such as alien smuggling, arson, assault, auto theft, burglary, extortion, intimidation, kidnapping, robbery and weapons violations. Members of this gang often transport illicit drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border. They operate mainly in the Southwest region of the U.S., primarily in federal, state and local prisons in Texas and Southeastern New Mexico. Most of its members are Mexican nationals or Mexican-American males. The Barrio Azteca, a highly structured criminal entity with an estimated membership of 2,000 persons, is considered one of the most violent prison gangs operating in the U.S. AB is historically linked to the Mexican Mafia (La Eme) and tensions are becoming frequently evident between the two gangs, as evidenced by recent fighting between Caucasians and Hispanics within the CDCR.
They operate mainly in the Southwestern and Pacific Regions of the U.S. The AB is notoriously violent and is frequently involved with murder-for-hire. The majority of its members are Caucasian males.
Known also as the AB, the Aryan Brotherhood is made of two factions: one located in California in the CDCR, and the other within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. If you have other information to add, throw it in the comments.Īlso: 15 prison tattoos and their meanings
To that end, here’s some basic information and identifiers of 13 of the most dangerous prison gangs in the United States penal system. Staying aware of members in your facility can not only keep you safe but help you in your day-to-day dealings with inmates. Though usually smaller than street gangs, prison gangs present a very real danger to correctional staff.