MS-13 is a gang formed in Los Angeles in the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants who lost families in the civil war, with over 30,000 members internationally including 6,000 across 46 U.S. states. Members express themselves through tattoos, graffiti and colors and have a sign language to communicate, initiating through violence and proving loyalty by committing brutal crimes.

1. MS-13
EL Salvador Gang

2. MS-13
MS-13, also known as
Mara Salvatrucha is a gang
formed by immigrants from
El Salvador in the 1980’s.
The gang is believed to be
founded in Los Angles by
those who had lost their
families i the Central
American civil war.

3. MS-13 members express
themselves with tattoos
that cover the body,
graffiti and gang colors.
The gang also has their
own special sign
language used to
communicate with each
other.

4. Ms-13 members live a life of
violence. Members are initiated
into the gang through violence
and are expected to commit
brutal crimes to prove loyalty to
the gang.
There are 30,000 members
internationally and 6,000
members in 46 states here in
the U.S.