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Gangs have long been a dangerous force in the US, operating in the shadows of major cities and within prison walls. From violent street crews to highly organized criminal syndicates, these groups are responsible for drug trafficking, extortion, and brutal turf wars. Some wield global influence, while others dominate local communities with fear and violence. Law enforcement continues its battle to dismantle them, but many remain stronger than ever. In this list, we break down the 50 most dangerous gangs in the US, revealing their crimes, influence, and the ongoing threat they pose to society.
50. Tiny Rascal Gangsters (TRG)
Tiny Rascal Gangsters (TRG) is one of the largest Southeast Asian street gangs in the US, with a strong presence on the West Coast. Originally formed in the 1980s by Cambodian refugees in California, the gang was created as a means of protection but quickly turned to violent crime. TRG is heavily involved in drug trafficking, robbery, and arms smuggling.
Known for their brutal retaliation against rivals, especially the Asian Boyz, they have a reputation for extreme violence. Despite law enforcement crackdowns, TRG continues to grow, operating in multiple states and maintaining ties to organized crime networks both domestically and internationally.
49. Asian Boyz (ABZ)
The Asian Boyz (ABZ) emerged in the 1980s as a response to gang violence against Southeast Asian immigrants, but it soon became a powerful criminal organization in its own right. Primarily made up of Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Laotian members, ABZ is notorious for its long-standing feud with the Tiny Rascal Gangsters, leading to violent shootouts and targeted assassinations.
The gang is involved in drug trafficking, home invasions, and auto theft across California and other states. ABZ members often display their affiliation through tattoos, hand signs, and distinct blue attire, mimicking larger gangs like the Crips while maintaining their own identity in the criminal underworld.
48. Vatos Locos
Vatos Locos is a loosely structured Latino gang with strongholds in Texas, California, and Arizona. While not as well-organized as larger gangs like MS-13 or the Latin Kings, Vatos Locos is known for its unpredictable violence, often engaging in street-level crimes such as robbery, carjacking, and drug sales.
Their members, typically young and aggressive, have been linked to deadly turf wars with other Latino gangs. With their lack of centralized leadership, different Vatos Locos factions operate independently, making them harder to dismantle. Law enforcement continues to monitor their activities as the gang expands its influence, particularly in drug distribution networks.
47. United Blood Nation (UBN)
United Blood Nation (UBN), also known as the East Coast Bloods, is a highly organized and violent street gang that originated in the Rikers Island jail system in New York City during the 1990s. Unlike the West Coast Bloods, UBN operates under a different leadership structure, spreading its influence across New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, and other states.
Members are heavily involved in drug trafficking, armed robberies, and violent retaliation against rivals, particularly the Crips. With a strict hierarchy and an expanding network, UBN continues to be one of the most dangerous and active gangs in the U.S. today.
46. Norteño 14
Norteño 14 is a powerful Latino street gang that operates primarily in Northern California. Formed as a direct rival to the Sureños, Norteños are affiliated with the prison gang Nuestra Familia and engage in violent conflicts with Sureño groups. Their criminal activities include drug trafficking, extortion, and organized robberies.
Norteños are identified by their red clothing and the number 14, which represents the letter “N” for “Norte.” With a strict hierarchy and deep ties to prison networks, the gang continues to expand its influence in both correctional facilities and urban neighborhoods. Law enforcement frequently targets Norteño leaders, but the gang remains a persistent threat.
45. Maniac Latin Disciples
The Maniac Latin Disciples are one of Chicago’s most violent Hispanic street gangs, originally formed in the 1960s. They are affiliated with the Folk Nation gang alliance and have engaged in brutal turf wars with rival gangs such as the Latin Kings. The gang is deeply involved in drug trafficking, illegal weapons distribution, and violent crimes, including drive-by shootings and kidnappings.
Identified by their blue and black colors, members often display tattoos featuring pitchfork symbols. Despite frequent crackdowns, the Maniac Latin Disciples maintain a stronghold in Chicago and have spread to other states, continuing their history of organized violence.
44. Satan’s Disciples
Satan’s Disciples is a Chicago-based street gang with a history of violence and drug-related crimes. Unlike many other gangs, they are not tied to a single ethnic group, allowing them to recruit members from diverse backgrounds. The gang is primarily involved in narcotics distribution, illegal gun sales, and armed robbery.
Identified by their use of yellow and black colors, Satan’s Disciples have a reputation for retaliatory attacks against rivals, particularly members of the Gangster Disciples and Latin Kings. Although their influence has fluctuated over the years, they continue to operate in several Midwestern states, keeping law enforcement on high alert.
43. Trinitarios
The Trinitarios are a Dominican-American gang that originated in New York prisons during the 1990s before expanding into street operations. Known for their brutal assaults, machete attacks, and drug trade, the Trinitarios have gained a reputation for extreme violence. Unlike other gangs that primarily engage in firearm-related crimes, Trinitarios often use knives and bladed weapons, making their attacks particularly gruesome.
Their structure is rigid, with members expected to follow strict codes of loyalty and discipline. While they primarily operate in New York, their influence has spread to cities like Boston and Miami, leading to increased law enforcement efforts to dismantle their networks.
42. Grape Street Crips
The Grape Street Crips are a violent subset of the larger Crips gang, with origins in Watts, Los Angeles. Recognizable by their signature purple attire, they have expanded beyond California, establishing a significant presence in states like New Jersey and Tennessee. Their criminal activities include drug trafficking, armed robbery, and gang-related homicides.
They are notorious for deadly feuds with the Bloods and other Crip factions, leading to frequent shootouts and retaliatory attacks. Despite efforts to dismantle them, Grape Street Crips continue to thrive, with members maintaining control over drug distribution in various urban areas across the country.
41. Hoover Criminals (Hoover Crips)
Originally part of the Crips, the Hoover Criminals evolved into their own independent entity, known for extreme violence and organized crime. They started in Los Angeles during the 1960s and eventually abandoned their Crip affiliation, engaging in deadly conflicts with former allies. The gang operates in multiple states, with a stronghold in California and Texas.
Their criminal activities range from drug trafficking to armed robbery and extortion. Hoover members often identify themselves with orange clothing, distinguishing them from traditional Crips who wear blue. Due to their unpredictable nature and violent reputation, law enforcement considers them one of the most dangerous street gangs.
40. Black Disciples
The Black Disciples are one of Chicago’s most notorious African-American gangs, founded in the 1960s. Closely tied to the Gangster Disciples in their early years, internal conflicts led to a violent split between the two groups. The Black Disciples are heavily involved in drug trafficking, illegal firearms sales, and deadly territorial disputes.
They gained national attention due to their influence in Chicago’s street violence, with members frequently linked to high-profile shootings. Their organizational structure remains intact despite police crackdowns, allowing them to continue expanding their operations across multiple states while remaining a dominant force in the city’s gang landscape.
39. Conservative Vice Lords
A faction of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation, the Conservative Vice Lords are one of Chicago’s most established and influential street gangs. Formed in the 1950s, they initially positioned themselves as a community organization before shifting to organized crime. The gang engages in drug distribution, weapons smuggling, and acts of violence against rival gangs, particularly the Gangster Disciples and Black P. Stones.
They are known for their structured leadership and strict codes of conduct, allowing them to maintain power despite law enforcement crackdowns. The Conservative Vice Lords have expanded their operations beyond Illinois, with members active in several Midwestern states.
38. MS-503
MS-503 is a violent splinter group of the infamous MS-13, emerging as a separate faction with an even more ruthless reputation. With deep roots in El Salvador, the gang operates across the U.S., engaging in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and brutal assassinations.
Unlike its parent organization, MS-503 is known for its internal discipline and military-style operations, making it harder for law enforcement to infiltrate. Members enforce loyalty with extreme punishments, often targeting defectors and rival gangs with merciless violence. As authorities continue to crack down on MS-13, MS-503 has gained traction, filling the void and expanding its influence in major cities.
37. Mexican Mafia Associates
While the Mexican Mafia, or La Eme, exerts control from inside prison walls, its associates on the outside carry out its criminal agenda. These street-level enforcers, often recruited from Sureño gangs, are responsible for drug distribution, extortion, and executing violent orders from imprisoned leaders.
Unlike independent street gangs, Mexican Mafia associates operate under a rigid command structure, following strict rules dictated by higher-ranking members. They control much of the drug trade in Southern California and have expanded their influence to multiple states. Their deep ties to prison politics make them a formidable force in organized crime.
36. Aryan Circle
Aryan Circle is a violent white supremacist gang that originated in Texas prisons before expanding across the U.S. Unlike the more structured Aryan Brotherhood, Aryan Circle operates with a decentralized leadership, making it harder for law enforcement to dismantle. The gang is deeply involved in drug trafficking, particularly methamphetamine distribution, and has been linked to numerous murders, both in and out of prison.
Known for its racially motivated violence, Aryan Circle maintains strict membership rules, often targeting rival gangs and even former members who betray their code. Despite ongoing investigations, they continue to grow, spreading their influence beyond prison walls.
35. Peckerwoods
The Peckerwoods are a loosely organized white supremacist gang with ties to both prison and street crime. Originally forming as a racist prison group, they expanded their operations to include drug trafficking, arms dealing, and violent hate crimes. Unlike larger white supremacist organizations, Peckerwoods lack a centralized structure, leading to multiple independent factions operating under the same name.
Their members often have ties to outlaw motorcycle gangs and other extremist groups, making them a dangerous element in organized crime. Law enforcement continues to target Peckerwood factions, but their ability to blend into broader criminal networks makes them difficult to eliminate.
34. Black Souls
The Black Souls are a highly structured and secretive street gang based in Chicago, known for their involvement in the drug trade and organized violence. Unlike many other gangs, the Black Souls operate more like a criminal enterprise, maintaining a strict hierarchy that allows them to control narcotics distribution efficiently.
Their leadership enforces brutal discipline, ensuring that members follow the gang’s code or face violent consequences. Turf wars with rival gangs, particularly the Gangster Disciples and Vice Lords, have led to numerous fatal shootouts in Chicago’s most crime-ridden neighborhoods. Despite law enforcement crackdowns, the Black Souls continue to expand their influence in the Midwest.
33. 211 Crew
The 211 Crew is a white supremacist prison gang that originated in Colorado’s correctional system and has since spread across multiple states. Initially formed for inmate protection, the gang quickly became a major player in organized crime, specializing in drug trafficking, armed robberies, and contract killings.
Unlike some white supremacist groups, the 211 Crew operates less as an ideological movement and more as a violent criminal network. Members are known for their brutal attacks on inmates who refuse to comply with their demands. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly targeted the gang, but its decentralized structure allows it to persist both inside and outside prison walls.
32. Ñetas
The Ñetas gang originated in the Puerto Rican prison system in the 1970s and later expanded into the mainland U.S., particularly in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. While initially formed as a self-protection group for Puerto Rican inmates, the gang evolved into a powerful criminal organization involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and violent retaliation against rivals.
Their main enemies are the Latin Kings and other prison-based gangs. Ñetas members are known for their strict loyalty codes and violent enforcement tactics, making them a major concern for law enforcement.
31. Texas Chicano Brotherhood
The Texas Chicano Brotherhood is a violent prison gang that emerged in the Texas correctional system as a rival to both the Texas Syndicate and the Mexican Mafia. The gang primarily operates within state prisons but has expanded to the streets, engaging in drug trafficking, extortion, and organized attacks against rivals.
Unlike some Latino prison gangs, the Texas Chicano Brotherhood is known for its unpredictability and willingness to use extreme violence to assert dominance. Their ongoing conflicts with other prison gangs have led to numerous deadly confrontations behind bars. Law enforcement continues to monitor their activities as they attempt to expand their influence.
30. East Coast Crips
The East Coast Crips are a notorious faction of the larger Crips gang, primarily operating outside of Los Angeles in cities along the East Coast. Known for their violent turf wars and deep involvement in drug trafficking, this group has expanded into states like New York, Maryland, and Virginia.
While they share the Crips’ signature blue attire, the East Coast branch has developed its own internal hierarchy and rivalries. Their criminal enterprises include extortion, armed robbery, and violent retaliation against both rival gangs and law enforcement. Despite frequent police crackdowns, the East Coast Crips remain a dangerous and growing presence in the gang world.
29. Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips
The Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips are one of the largest and most influential Crip sets, originating in Los Angeles in the 1970s. Known for their violent reputation, they have engaged in deadly conflicts with the Bloods, rival Crip sets, and even law enforcement. Their involvement in drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and high-profile robberies has made them a significant target for law enforcement.
The gang gained widespread notoriety due to its alleged ties to celebrities and the music industry, further solidifying its cultural impact. Despite efforts to dismantle their network, the Rollin’ 60s continue to expand their presence nationwide.
28. Zetas Associates (U.S. Branches)
The U.S.-based cells of the Zetas cartel operate as an extension of one of Mexico’s most violent criminal organizations. Originally formed by former Mexican military personnel, the Zetas are known for their ruthless enforcement tactics, including kidnappings, assassinations, and extortion. In the U.S., their associates handle drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms smuggling, particularly along the Texas border.
Unlike traditional street gangs, Zetas associates operate with military precision, making them exceptionally dangerous. Their growing presence in American cities has led to increasing collaboration between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement to dismantle their network, but their influence remains strong.
27. Folk Nation
Folk Nation is a large and loosely organized gang alliance that originated in Chicago in the late 1970s. Unlike traditional street gangs, Folk Nation consists of multiple affiliated gangs, including the Gangster Disciples, Black Disciples, and Maniac Latin Disciples.
These groups engage in drug trafficking, violent turf wars, and organized robberies, primarily in Chicago and the Midwest. Folk Nation gangs are known for their distinctive symbols, hand signs, and rivalries with gangs under the People Nation alliance, such as the Vice Lords and Latin Kings. Despite law enforcement crackdowns, Folk Nation-affiliated gangs continue to expand and commit violent crimes across the U.S.
26. Dirty White Boys
The Dirty White Boys (DWB) are a violent white supremacist prison gang with a strong presence in federal and state correctional facilities across the U.S. Originally formed in Texas, the gang has expanded into multiple states, engaging in drug trafficking, extortion, and racially motivated attacks.
Unlike larger groups like the Aryan Brotherhood, the Dirty White Boys operate in smaller, more decentralized factions, making them harder to track. They maintain strong ties to outlaw motorcycle gangs and other white nationalist organizations, allowing them to expand their influence beyond prison walls. Despite frequent crackdowns, the group continues to be a significant threat within the prison system.
25. Sureños (Sur 13)
Sureños, also called South Siders or Southern Mexicans, were formed under the influence of the Mexican Mafia prison gang to unite smaller, often feuding groups into a powerful criminal network. While they originated in California, their presence has grown nationwide, especially on the East Coast, where authorities saw a surge in their numbers in the late 1990s.
Some of their most notorious factions include Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and 18th Street, both involved in violent crimes, drug trafficking, and extortion. Due to their structure and widespread influence, Sureños remain one of the most dangerous gangs in the U.S.
24. Almighty Vice Lord Nation
Founded in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood in 1957, the Almighty Vice Lord Nation is one of the city’s oldest and most powerful gangs. Originally formed by Bobby Gore, Bryan J. Reddix, Tony Reddix, and other African-American youths, the group started as a neighborhood organization before turning to criminal activities.
The name “Vice Lords” reflects their stronghold on power and control. Over the decades, they expanded into multiple states, engaging in drug trafficking, robbery, and violent territorial disputes. Despite law enforcement efforts to dismantle them, the Vice Lords continue to operate both inside and outside prison walls.
23. NLR
The NLR gang emerged in the late 1970s within California’s prison system, led by John Stinson, a known white supremacist. Originally restricted to white members, a small number of Latinos were later allowed in to help with the gang’s drug operations.
Known for extreme violence, NLR targets both rivals and law enforcement, expanding its influence beyond juvenile detention centers to adult prisons and city streets. Today, the gang is heavily involved in methamphetamine distribution, weapons trafficking, and racially motivated attacks. Despite crackdowns, its presence remains strong in various states, making it a significant threat.
22. Public Enemy No. 1 (PENI)
Public Enemy No. 1, also known as PENI Death Squad or PDS, originated in Long Beach, California, before establishing a major presence in Orange County. By 2004, the California Department of Justice identified them as one of the fastest-growing and most dangerous gangs inside and outside prison walls.
Unlike traditional street gangs, PENI engages in financial crimes such as identity theft and credit card fraud while also controlling a large share of methamphetamine distribution. Despite their relatively small numbers, their growing influence, violent tendencies, and organized crime connections make them a high-priority target for law enforcement.
21. Gangster Disciples
The Gangster Disciples, founded in 1968 by Larry Hoover and David Barksdale, are one of the most notorious African-American street and prison gangs in the U.S. Originally, they emerged as the Black Gangster Disciple Nation, uniting rival factions under a single structure. Their primary source of income comes from selling cocaine, marijuana, and heroin at the street level.
Beyond drug trafficking, they are deeply involved in violent crimes, including homicide, assault, and robbery, as well as financial crimes such as fraud and money laundering. Despite numerous crackdowns, the gang maintains a strong presence in Chicago and other major cities.
20. Nuestra Familia
Nuestra Familia is a powerful prison gang that originated in Northern California, formed by rural Mexican-American inmates as a response to the dominance of the Mexican Mafia, which was primarily composed of urban prisoners. While their initial purpose was protection, the group quickly evolved into an organized criminal enterprise.
Nuestra Familia operates both inside and outside prison walls, engaging in drug trafficking, extortion, and violent retaliations against rivals. The gang enforces strict loyalty among its members and has a structured hierarchy, making it one of the most dangerous and influential criminal organizations in the U.S.
19. Outlaws Motorcycle Club
The Outlaws Motorcycle Club, also known as the American Outlaws Association (A.O.A.), is one of the oldest and most infamous outlaw biker gangs, originating in McCook, Illinois, in 1935. With chapters worldwide, the group has a long history of criminal activity, including drug and weapons trafficking, money laundering, and violent attacks against rival clubs.
The U.S. Department of Justice classifies them as a criminal organization, citing their involvement in extortion and prostitution rings. Their ongoing conflicts with other biker gangs, particularly the Hells Angels, have led to numerous deadly altercations, cementing their reputation as a dangerous outlaw group.
18. Simon City Royals
The Simon City Royals, one of the largest white-majority street gangs in the U.S., trace their roots back to 1952 in Chicago, where they began as a greaser gang called Simon City. Over the years, they evolved into the Almighty Simon City Royal Nation, expanding their membership to include Latin American and African-American individuals.
Known for drug trafficking, armed robbery, and organized violence, the gang has grown beyond Chicago into the Southern U.S. In March 2022, law enforcement arrested 21 suspected members under federal RICO charges, highlighting their widespread criminal activities and influence in the region.
17. Los Aztecas
Also known as Barrio Azteca, Los Aztecas are a Mexican-American street and prison gang with roots in El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. This violent gang has deep ties to the Juárez Cartel, making them a key player in drug trafficking along the U.S.-Mexico border. Known for their strict hierarchy and brutal enforcement tactics, they operate in regions like El Corona, Little Mexico, and Unity Station.
Los Aztecas have been linked to numerous homicides, kidnappings, and attacks on law enforcement. Their influence extends beyond prisons, as members continue criminal operations on the streets, making them a significant security threat.
16. Florencia 13 (F13)
Florencia 13, also called South Side Florencia 13 or simply F13, is a Mexican-American street gang based in Los Angeles. Established in the 1950s, they are heavily influenced by the Mexican Mafia and are known for their violent rivalries, particularly with African-American gangs. F13 engages in drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crimes, often targeting both rival gangs and civilians.
Their deep connection to the Mexican Mafia strengthens their power in the prison system, allowing them to coordinate criminal activities both inside and outside correctional facilities. Despite frequent law enforcement crackdowns, Florencia 13 remains a dominant force in organized crime.
15. Mongols Motorcycle Club
The Mongols Motorcycle Club, also known as Mongol Nation, is a notorious outlaw biker gang founded in Montebello, California, in 1969. Initially formed by Latino bikers who were rejected by the Hells Angels, the Mongols quickly developed into a powerful criminal organization. They are heavily involved in drug and weapons trafficking, extortion, and violent clashes with rival motorcycle clubs.
Law enforcement agencies classify the Mongols as a criminal enterprise due to their connections to organized crime and history of deadly altercations. Despite numerous arrests and legal battles, they continue to be one of the most dangerous biker gangs in the world.
14. Almighty Black P. Stone Nation
Originally known as the Blackstone Rangers, the Almighty Black P. Stone Nation emerged in Chicago in the late 1950s. What began as a local youth group soon evolved into one of the city’s most influential gangs. By the 1970s, they expanded their criminal operations to include drug trafficking, extortion, and organized violence.
The gang has a complex hierarchy, and some factions have been linked to extremist activities. Despite efforts by law enforcement to dismantle them, the Black P. Stones maintain a stronghold in various neighborhoods, continuing to influence street-level crime and gang culture in Chicago and beyond.
13. Wah Ching
Wah Ching, meaning “Chinese Youth,” is a Chinese-American criminal organization founded in San Francisco in 1964. Initially formed for protection, it quickly evolved into a powerful street gang involved in extortion, drug trafficking, and illegal gambling. By 1995, the California Department of Justice identified Wah Ching as the largest Chinese criminal group in Los Angeles, with over 1,800 members.
The gang operates primarily in California but has extended its influence to other states and even international crime networks. Despite frequent law enforcement crackdowns, Wah Ching remains a dominant force in organized crime, particularly within Asian-American communities.
12. Mexican Mafia (La Eme)
The Mexican Mafia, or La Eme, is one of the most feared prison gangs in the U.S. Despite being a loosely structured organization, its approximately 350-400 members must strictly follow its code of conduct. Founded in the late 1950s in California’s prison system, La Eme primarily consists of Mexican-American gang members from Southern California.
The gang exerts immense control over drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crimes both inside and outside prison walls. Considered one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in the world, La Eme continues to wield influence through alliances with street gangs like Sureños.
11. Simon City Royals
Originating as a greaser gang in Chicago in 1952, the Simon City Royals grew into one of the largest white-majority street gangs in the U.S. While predominantly white, their membership has expanded to include Latin American and African-American members. The gang engages in drug trafficking, robbery, and organized violence, particularly in the Midwest and Southern states.
In March 2022, law enforcement indicted 21 suspected members under federal RICO charges, exposing their widespread criminal activities. Their ability to adapt and expand over the years has solidified their reputation as one of the most dangerous street gangs in the country.
10. Black Guerrilla Family
The Black Guerrilla Family (BGF) is both a politically motivated prison gang and a criminal enterprise, ranking among the most dangerous in the U.S. Founded in the 1960s with an ideology rooted in Black empowerment, the gang has a strict national charter, a code of ethics, and an oath of allegiance.
BGF operates mainly in California and Maryland, with an estimated 100-300 members, most of whom are African-American males. Despite its revolutionary origins, the gang is heavily involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crimes. Law enforcement continues to target BGF due to its organized structure and ability to operate within and beyond prison walls.
9. Texas Syndicate
The Texas Syndicate is a powerful prison and street gang primarily made up of Mexican-American members. It was founded in the early 1970s within California’s prison system when Texas inmates banded together for protection against other prison gangs.
Over time, the group became one of the most feared in both California and Texas, expanding its influence to drug trafficking, extortion, and violent attacks on rivals. Known for its strict structure and brutal enforcement, the Texas Syndicate operates within and outside prison walls, continuing to be a major force in organized crime despite ongoing law enforcement crackdowns.
8. La Cosa Nostra
La Cosa Nostra, often simply called the Mafia, has been a dominant force in organized crime for over a century. Originally formed in Sicily in the 19th century, this secretive criminal society expanded to the U.S., where it became one of the most powerful crime syndicates.
Although its influence has diminished from its peak, La Cosa Nostra still operates in cities like New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Detroit. Engaged in racketeering, extortion, and drug trafficking, the organization maintains its presence through deep-rooted connections, making it one of the most resilient and dangerous criminal enterprises in the country.
7. Hells Angels Motorcycle Club
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club is one of the most notorious outlaw biker gangs in the world. Founded in 1948 in California, the gang has since expanded internationally, with chapters across multiple continents. While members present themselves as a motorcycle brotherhood, law enforcement agencies classify them as a criminal organization due to their involvement in drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and violent clashes with rival gangs.
The Hells Angels are known to manufacture and distribute substances like methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. Despite their public image as motorcycle enthusiasts, their deep ties to organized crime make them a significant threat.
6. Latin Kings
The Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation is one of the largest and most structured Latino street and prison gangs in the U.S. Originating in Chicago in the 1940s, the gang has since spread to 34 states, with an estimated membership of 25,000 to 50,000 individuals.
While some factions claim to promote cultural pride, the Latin Kings are heavily involved in drug trafficking, violent crimes, and extortion. Chicago remains a stronghold, with nearly 25,000 members operating in the city. Their rigid hierarchy, strict codes, and willingness to use violence have solidified their reputation as one of the most dangerous gangs in the country.
5. Aryan Brotherhood (AB)
The Aryan Brotherhood, also known as “The Brand” or simply AB, is a violent white supremacist prison gang and organized crime syndicate. Founded in 1964 by Irish bikers to protect white inmates in newly desegregated prisons, it has since grown into the largest and most feared prison gang in the U.S.
With an estimated 15,000–20,000 members inside and outside prison walls, the gang is involved in drug trafficking, extortion, contract killings, and organized violence. Despite law enforcement efforts to dismantle it, the Aryan Brotherhood continues to exert significant control over prison populations and criminal enterprises across the country.
4. 18th Street Gang
The 18th Street Gang is one of the most violent and expansive street gangs in the U.S., operating in 44 cities across 20 states. Originally formed in Los Angeles, the gang has grown into a transnational criminal organization with a presence in multiple countries.
Members are required to commit acts of violence to prove their loyalty, leading to high rates of homicide, assault, and robbery linked to the gang. In addition to violent crimes, 18th Street is deeply involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and firearm sales. Their ruthless reputation and rapid expansion make them a significant law enforcement concern.
3. Bloods
The Bloods are one of the most infamous street gangs in the U.S., known for their violent history and deep-rooted rivalry with the Crips. Originating in Los Angeles during the 1970s, the Bloods quickly expanded nationwide, engaging in drug trafficking, theft, extortion, and gang-related homicides.
Identified by their red clothing and gang signs, members operate in numerous states, often controlling neighborhoods through fear and violence. Despite crackdowns and internal conflicts, the Bloods remain a major force in organized crime, with thousands of members both inside and outside prison systems, continuing their long-standing war with rival gangs.
2. Crips
The Crips, one of the most powerful and recognized gangs in America, were founded in Los Angeles in the late 1960s. Originally formed for community protection, the gang quickly turned to crime, engaging in drug trafficking, robbery, extortion, and murder. Identified by their signature blue attire, the Crips have thousands of members across the country, with some factions extending their influence internationally.
Their decades-long rivalry with the Bloods has fueled violent street wars, leading to countless deaths. Despite law enforcement crackdowns, the Crips remain a dominant force in gang-related crime, with their presence deeply embedded in urban areas.
1. Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13, is one of the most dangerous and feared gangs in the world. Formed in Los Angeles during the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants, the gang expanded rapidly, recruiting members from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. MS-13 is infamous for its extreme violence, brutal tactics, and involvement in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and contract killings.
Unlike other gangs, MS-13 thrives on instilling fear, often targeting civilians in addition to rivals. Their influence extends from the streets to prison systems and international crime networks, making them one of the most heavily pursued gangs by law enforcement worldwide.