Long Island DA reveals 3 twisted ‘rules’ that made MS-13 a plague in the suburbs — ‘biggest, baddest, most violent gang’

The MS-13 Gang: Understanding the Threat and the Role of Federal Intervention

The MS-13 gang, or Mara Salvatrucha 13, has long been a significant threat to security in the United States, particularly in regions like Long Island. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney emphasizes that without federal assistance, local authorities would struggle to combat the gang’s brutal activities effectively. MS-13 is distinguished from other migrant gangs by its reliance on violence and murder as the primary means of establishing prestige and power within the gang. Unlike other criminal organizations that may focus on drug trafficking or economic gain, MS-13’s notoriety stems from its ruthless tactics, which include public executions and violent attacks on rival gang members and innocent civilians. This ruthless approach has made MS-13 one of the most feared gangs in the country.

The MS-13 gang has its roots in the late 1980s and early 1990s when Salvadoran immigrants fleeing civil war in their homeland settled in the U.S. Initially formed as a means of self-protection, the gang gradually evolved into a violent criminal enterprise. MS-13’s structure is decentralized, with cliques operating in various regions, including Long Island, where the gang established a strong presence around 2015. The gang’s brutal activities in New York have included the deaths of teenagers and young adults, often carried out with machetes and other blunt instruments. The gang’s actions are guided by three strict rules: no cooperation with law enforcement, no tolerance for disrespect from outsiders, and the execution of rival gang members on sight. These rules create a culture of fear and violence that has left a trail of devastation in communities where MS-13 operates.

During an exclusive interview with The Post, District Attorney Ray Tierney highlighted the critical role of federal agencies, such as the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in curbing MS-13’s influence in Suffolk County. Tierney acknowledged that while his office played a part in the efforts to dismantle the gang, it was the federal government’s comprehensive approach that led to significant improvements. Federal authorities have successfully taken many of the gang’s violent members off the streets, thereby reducing the level of violence and restoring a measure of safety to the affected communities. The collaboration between local and federal law enforcement has been instrumental in addressing the gang’s activities, showcasing the importance of multi-agency cooperation in combating organized crime.

In addition to MS-13, another migrant gang known as Tren de Aragua (TdA) has emerged as a significant threat in the New York metropolitan area. Unlike MS-13, whose primary focus is on violent acts to assert dominance, TdA concentrates more on illicit economic activities such as drug trafficking, gun smuggling, and human trafficking. The gang has been known to exploit city-funded shelters in the five boroughs of New York City, recruiting new members and conducting illegal operations. While TdA’s activities are less focused on outright violence compared to MS-13, their criminal enterprises still pose a serious threat to public safety, particularly given their organized structure and exploitation of vulnerable populations.

Both MS-13 and Tren de Aragua were designated as foreign terrorist organizations during the Trump administration, recognizing the severity of their criminal activities and their impact on national security. This designation has enabled law enforcement agencies to undertake nationwide raids and deportation efforts aimed at dismantling these organizations and expelling their members who are in the country unlawfully. The federal government’s proactive stance in addressing these gangs has been crucial in mitigating their influence and protecting American communities from their violent and criminal activities.

The ongoing challenges posed by MS-13 and Tren de Aragua underscore the need for continued collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The combination of community engagement, intelligence sharing, and aggressive prosecution strategies has proven effective in reducing the gangs’ power, but vigilance is essential to prevent their resurgence. As law enforcement agencies continue to adapt to evolving criminal threats, the lessons learned from combating MS-13 and TdA will be invaluable in addressing future challenges posed by organized crime groups.