5 Dangerous Street Gangs To Watch Out For In Texas

Throughout Texas, the presence of street gangs isn't just a storyline for movies; it's a real-life thing that affects many communities. You find them everywhere from the busy streets of Houston to the quieter parts of smaller towns. These gangs have carved out their territories, impacting everything from local economies to public safety.

I was curious about how many street gangs operate in the Lone Star State. I stumbled upon a great resource - a database website backed by law enforcement where you can search a big portion of Texas for gang operations. I wanted to zoom in on just a few of the bigger ones to look out for. After all, knowledge is power. Here's a simple breakdown of the most notable ones that I found.

LOOK: 5 DANGEROUS STREET GANGS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN TEXAS

Tango Blast

Tango Blast is often considered the largest gang in Texas with a membership that may exceed 10,000. Originating within the state’s prison system, members identify themselves with tattoos symbolizing their hometowns. This makes the gang a collection of smaller cliques rather than a unified organization. They are involved in many criminal activities but are best known for drug trafficking and theft.

Texas Syndicate

Formed in California to protect Texas inmates in federal prisons, the Texas Syndicate is now a significant force in Texas. It's a highly structured gang that demands strict loyalty from its members, mostly made up of Mexican-Americans. The Texas Syndicate takes part in activities ranging from drug trafficking to murder and extortion. Plus, it maintains a fierce rivalry with other prison gangs.

Mexikanemi (Texas Mexican Mafia)

Another gang that formed within the prison system was the Texas Mexican Mafia, also known as Mexikanemi. It operates with a strict code and organizes many criminal activities outside prison walls. Members are involved in drug trafficking, murder for hire, and extortion.

Crips and Bloods

Nationally recognized, the Crips and Bloods have established a presence in Texas, primarily in urban areas. These gangs are involved in a variety of criminal activities, including drug and weapon trafficking. They're notorious for their violent clashes driven by territorial disputes and personal vendettas.

Bandidos Motorcycle Club

Although they're primarily a motorcycle club, the Bandidos are often considered a traditional street gang due to their involvement in criminal activities like drug trafficking, theft, and extortion. Known as one of the "big four" outlaw motorcycle gangs, the Bandidos are a big part of Texas’s street gang scene.

These gangs in Texas bring significant issues. They affect the safety and well-being of many communities. Each gang has its unique footprint, but they all share involvement in criminal activities that challenge law enforcement and threaten public safety.