MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, is a notorious gang that originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s. The gang has since spread throughout the United States, Central America, and other parts of the world, and is known for its violent behavior and criminal activities, which include drug trafficking, extortion, and murder.
One of the ways that MS-13 members distinguish themselves from other gangs is through their tattoos. These tattoos are used to signify membership in the gang, as well as to communicate messages and express individual identity. However, it is important to note that not all people with MS-13 tattoos are members of the gang, and that some people may have gotten the tattoos without fully understanding their significance.
The most recognizable symbols of the gang are the “MS-13” or “13” tattoos, which are used to indicate membership. The number 13 represents the position of the letter “M” in the alphabet, and is often used as a shorthand for the gang’s name. Other common MS-13 tattoos include “La Mara Salvatrucha” or “MS,” which may include the full name of the gang or its initials, and “Salvatrucha,” which means “street-wise” in Salvadoran slang and is often used by MS-13 members to refer to themselves.
Some MS-13 tattoos are used to signify loyalty to the gang, such as “666” or devil horns, which may also be a reference to Satanism or other forms of occultism. “MS-13” with a devil’s tail is used to signify that the wearer is a “shot caller,” or high-ranking member of the gang. Other tattoos are used to signify affiliation with rival gangs, such as “Norte” or “Norteño” to indicate ties to the Northern California gang, or “Barrio 18” or “18” to indicate opposition to the 18th Street gang.
Some MS-13 tattoos are used to indicate criminal activity, such as “Mickey Mouse,” which signifies that the wearer has committed a murder and may include a teardrop or other symbol to indicate the number of victims. “Aztec warrior” tattoos are used to signify that the wearer is a member of the gang’s leadership council, and may include other symbols to indicate rank and status. “Lil M” tattoos are used to signify that the wearer is a “little homeboy” or new member of the gang.
It is important to note that MS-13 tattoos may vary in meaning depending on the region or individual wearing them. Additionally, some MS-13 members may have tattoos that do not signify their affiliation with the gang, or may have tattoos that are not specifically MS-13-related.
MS-13 tattoos are often inked using crude methods and materials, such as homemade needles and tattoo ink made from melted plastic and other substances. This can lead to infections and other health problems, as well as tattoos that are poorly executed and difficult to read.
In recent years, law enforcement agencies have cracked down on MS-13 and other gangs, leading to the arrest and prosecution of many members. Some states and countries have also enacted laws that make it a crime to be a member of a gang or to have gang-related tattoos. This has led to increased scrutiny of MS-13 tattoos, as well as increased efforts to prevent young people from joining gangs in the first place.
In conclusion, MS-13 tattoos are a means of communication and identity for members of the gang. While some tattoos signify membership or loyalty to the gang, others may have different meanings or no significance at all. It is important to understand the potential dangers and consequences of gang involvement and gang-related tattoos, and to work towards preventing young people from joining gangs in the first place.