Are you aware of the subtle, yet potent, language etched onto the skin of those involved in organized crime? Understanding the symbolism of gang tattoos and hand signs is critical to comprehending the dynamics of criminal organizations, their alliances, and their violent intent.

The world of Mexican cartels and street gangs is a shadowy realm, where communication often occurs through coded gestures and symbols. These visual cues are not mere decorations; they are a complex language of affiliation, loyalty, and threat, often tattooed onto the bodies of members, displayed through hand signals, or conveyed through other forms of iconography. This intricate system of communication is essential for the effective functioning of these clandestine organizations.

The use of symbols and signs to represent a gang's identity is not a modern phenomenon. As early as the 1900s, Mexican American street gangs began to emerge in Los Angeles, California, due to a combination of factors including economic conditions and racial prejudice. These groups adopted distinct visual elements to distinguish themselves and solidify their bonds. Symbols and signs represent a crucial part of the bonding process within the gang structure.

One such notorious group is the Mexican Mafia, also known as "La Eme," which originated in California's prison system in 1957. Founded by Luis Huero Buff Flores and other East Los Angeles gang members at the Deuel Vocational Institution, this gang quickly became a dominant force. The Mexican Mafia's influence extended beyond prison walls, as it established alliances with various cartels and engaged in drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

The "cholo" symbol, which dates back to the 1940s and represents the struggle for acceptance in America, is one of the most common symbols to be seen on the bodies of Mexican gang members.

Another dangerous group that emerged in the 1960s was Nuestra Familia, organized at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, California. The conflict between the Mexican Mafia and Nuestra Familia has been a long-standing rivalry.

The Aryan Brotherhood, Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, Nuestra Familia, and the Black Guerrilla Family represent only a segment of the prison gangs that operate within the United States. Their presence highlights the complexity of the situation, and their symbols and communication methods vary.

Hand signs are crucial in the gang world, where gestures and finger configurations communicate secret messages. These signs are often used to represent a gang's name, its logos, or its territorial control. Different gangs have their own unique signs, making the understanding of these hand signs is critical to law enforcement and anyone interested in comprehending the gang landscape.

For example, the number "13" is frequently seen in Mexican Mafia tattoos, symbolizing the 13th letter of the alphabet, "M," representing the gang's name. The Mexican Mafia has adapted the national symbol of Mexico, an eagle and a snake, to their tattoos, integrating it with their own symbolism.

The "Norteos" gang, for example, utilizes its own set of signs and symbols. The gang's name itself means "Northerners" or "People of the North", and their gang signs convey allegiance and identity.

The influence of symbolism within gangs is pervasive, providing a way for members to connect and identify. The existence of so much symbolism in gang iconography is part of the bonding of the gang. Unity is a major part of developing a gang mentality, and symbolism can be employed to establish unity as an almost natural state outside of the manipulation of the gang. These symbols bind you to the gang's identity, creating a psychological trap.

Tattoos, in particular, are a powerful form of communication. The symbols and images that are tattooed on a gang members body serve to display an individuals allegiance. These tattoos become a permanent marker of association, and can also provide a visual history of the individuals time with the gang.

Tattoos anchor you to a history of violence, forever marking you as a member of the gang. Once branded, the gang owns you. For gang members, the tattoo becomes the identity, the promise of belonging, the bond of camaraderie, and the physical manifestation of the gang's control over the individual.

The 1488 gang also has its own unique symbol. The symbol of 1488 represents a gang which may have a very diverse cultural background.

Gangs in Mexico, particularly those involved in drug cartels, use a variety of hand gestures as a form of covert communication. These gang signs are a unique language, and their interpretation requires specialized knowledge. The hand signs frequently represent specific gangs, their alliances, rivalries, territories, or even threats.

The Mexican Mafia's first symbol is the national symbol of Mexico, an eagle and a snake around a wreath, lying on crossed swords.

These visual identifiers are not restricted to physical spaces; they also find their way into the digital world, including online platforms, which makes their interpretation even more important.

The symbols and hand signs are constantly evolving. It is important to note that an image may have several different, occasionally innocuous, meanings, depending on the interpretation of the individual or gangs using it.

The presence of these gangs and their symbols is not limited to specific geographical locations. Their reach extends to the Gulf Coast, an area impacted by drug trafficking. Law enforcement must have the ability to identify the signs and symbols used by these criminal organizations.

The significance of tattoos and other symbolic representations within gangs cannot be overstated. The organized crime section (OCS) is providing the following tattoos and their definitions as a tool to assist officers in detecting gang activity.

The significance of handshakes and hand signs cannot be overstated. Often, gangs will have their own handshakes or hand signs to display their affiliation to the gang.

The gang's primary symbol, which is often used in tattoos by members, is the national symbol of mexico (eagle and a snake) atop a flaming circle over crossed knives.

For example, the Mexican Mafia took root in American prisons, adapting "La Eme" tattoos to show allegiance to southern California gangs.

These tattoos serve multiple purposes, from establishing membership and loyalty to expressing allegiance and territory. They also help the gang distinguish itself from other groups.

Many Mexican gang members will have the national symbol of Mexico tattooed on their body, such as a snake eating an eagle.

In addition to tattoos and hand signs, gangs use other means to express their identity and communicate. Gangs within the "People Nation" wear identifiers to the left side such as gang signs, hats, left pant leg rolled up, and folded arms with the left on top.

The use of specific symbols varies from one gang to another, and also depends on the individuals role within the group.

Gangster Rene Enriquez was once a leader in the Mexican Mafia.

In the world of criminal organizations, symbolism is more than mere aesthetics; it is a form of communication, a declaration of allegiance, and a tool for enforcing power and control. Understanding these symbols is essential for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of organized crime.

Gang Symbolism: Key Elements
Tattoos: Permanent body art used to signify gang membership, allegiance, and rank.
Hand Signs: Gestures and finger configurations used to communicate messages, identify gang affiliation, and signal loyalty or threats.
Colors: Specific colors are used to represent gangs, with clothing, accessories, and graffiti often displaying these colors.
Graffiti: Art and symbols used to mark territory, communicate messages, and express gang identity.
Clothing and Accessories: Items such as hats, bandanas, and jewelry worn to display gang affiliation.
Language and Slang: Unique vocabulary used to communicate among gang members.
Rituals and Customs: Practices and ceremonies that reinforce gang identity and loyalty.

The following table will detail the origins, symbols, and key aspects of prominent gangs involved in organized crime:

Gang	Origins	Key Symbols	Noteworthy Facts
Mexican Mafia (La Eme)	Established in 1957, California prison system	National symbol of Mexico (eagle and snake), number 13 (M), crossed knives, La Eme	Founded by Luis Huero Buff Flores; controls various criminal activities, including drug trafficking; strong influence in California prisons.
Nuestra Familia (NF)	Formed in 1965, Correctional Training Facility, Soledad, California	NF, crossed swords, huelga bird	Rival of the Mexican Mafia; involved in drug trafficking and violence.
Norteos	Northern California gangs; prison-based, formed in 1960s.	Number 14, the letter "N," various other regional symbols.	Rival of the Sureos; involved in drug trafficking and violence; "N" represents the 14th letter of the alphabet, often seen in tattoos.
Sureos	Southern California gangs, primarily in Los Angeles	Number 13, various Southern California gang-specific symbols.	Rival of the Norteos; involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and violence; "13" represents the 13th letter of the alphabet, "M"
Aryan Brotherhood	Formed in 1964, San Quentin prison, California	Swastika, Celtic symbols, AB, 666	White supremacist prison gang; involved in violence, drug trafficking, and contract killings.
Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)	Formed in Los Angeles, California; primarily of Salvadoran descent	MS-13, hand signs representing MS-13	Transnational criminal organization; involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and violence; known for extreme brutality.
Zetas	Originally formed by former Mexican military personnel	Zetas skull	Violent Mexican drug cartel; involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion.
Gulf Cartel	Formed in 1980s, Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico	Various symbols, depending on the faction	Mexican drug cartel; involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion.
Sinaloa Cartel	Formed in 1980s, Sinaloa, Mexico	Various symbols, depending on the faction	Mexican drug cartel; involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion.