The Mexican Mafia, also known as La Eme (Spanish for the letter “M”), is a powerful and highly organized criminal enterprise that originated within the California prison system and has since extended its influence onto the streets. This article delves into the history, structure, activities, and impact of this notorious prison gang.
Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials at a 2012 news conference
The Genesis of La Eme: From Prison Walls to Street Corners
The Mexican Mafia was founded in 1957 at the Deuel Vocational Institution in California by Luis “Huero Buff” Flores. Initially comprised of incarcerated members of Hispanic street gangs from Los Angeles, the organization was conceived as a “gang of gangs,” designed to consolidate power and control within the prison system. Modeled after the Sicilian Mafia, La Eme sought to unite leaders of various Hispanic gangs under a single banner. Membership is for life, demanding a blood oath and sponsorship. Identifying symbols include the black hand tattoo and the letter “M.”
Growth and Expansion: Consolidating Power Inside and Out
The California prison system’s attempts to disrupt La Eme by transferring members to different facilities inadvertently facilitated the gang’s expansion. By 1966, the Mexican Mafia controlled drug trafficking within California prisons and sought dominance over all illicit activities. Strategic alliances, such as the one formed with the Aryan Brotherhood against the Black Guerrilla Family and La Nuestra Familia, further solidified their power. This alliance was fueled by a shared animosity towards African Americans. The Mexican Mafia’s origins in Los Angeles County contrasted with the primarily rural northern Californian roots of La Nuestra Familia, creating a significant point of contention.
Reaching Beyond Prison Walls: The Sureños and Street Influence
The Mexican Mafia’s influence soon extended beyond prison walls. Joe “Pegleg” Morgan, notably of Slavic descent, committed one of the gang’s first street executions in 1971, solidifying the organization’s presence outside of the prison system and marking the beginning of their organized criminal activities on the streets. Paroled members joined street gangs, expanding La Eme’s reach and establishing a lucrative criminal enterprise. These affiliated street gangs, known as Sureños (“southerners”), pledged allegiance to the Mexican Mafia.
Infiltration and Community Control: A Calculated Strategy
In 1971, Rodolfo “Cheyenne” Cadena, a prominent leader, orchestrated the infiltration of self-help groups and community organizations in East Los Angeles. This strategic move aimed to establish a presence within Mexican American communities, cultivating goodwill while using these organizations as fronts for criminal operations.
The Mexican Mafia in the 21st Century: Continued Criminal Enterprise
The Mexican Mafia’s criminal activities encompass a wide range of offenses, including robbery, extortion, assault, murder, weapons trafficking, and drug distribution. The organization controls territories in Los Angeles, dictating the activities of local gangs and collecting taxes in exchange for operational permission. A significant development in 2002 involved a high-ranking member defecting and cooperating with federal authorities, providing crucial insights into the gang’s hierarchy. More recently, rumors have circulated about the Mexican Mafia ordering ethnic cleansing within their territories, directing attacks against African Americans.
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of the Mexican Mafia
The Mexican Mafia remains a significant force in the criminal underworld, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive. Its complex structure, strict code of conduct, and ruthless enforcement of its rules have enabled it to maintain control both within the prison system and on the streets. Despite law enforcement efforts, the Mexican Mafia’s influence continues to pose a significant challenge.
