Pair of gangs maintain strong presence in Laredo, report shows

Keep scrolling to see who the most dangerous gangs are in the Lone Star state. Keep scrolling to see who the most dangerous gangs are in the Lone Star state. Photo: Texas Mafia Photo: Texas Mafia Image 1 of / 87 Caption Close Pair of gangs maintain strong presence in Laredo, report shows 1 / 87 Back to Gallery

Despite several criminal groups operating in the area, the Texas Mexican Mafia and the Hermanos Pistoleros Latinos maintain a strong presence in the Gateway City, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

"The (Texas Mexican Mafia) has a strong presence in the Del Rio-Eagle Pass-Uvalde area and in Laredo, as does (Hermanos Pistoleros Latinos)," states the DPS Texas Gang Threat Assessment.

Each year, DPS releases the gang threat assessment to provide a broad overview and update of gang activity statewide. Of the 14 tier I and II gangs detailed in the DPS report, six were listed as having a presence in Webb County. They are: Latin Kings, Texas Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, Tango Blast and Tang Cliques, Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang and Barrio Azteca.

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"This report provides an overview of gangs operating in Texas, which gives law enforcement important information to help protect our communities from these violent organizations," said DPS Director Steven C. McCraw in a recent statement. "Gangs and their associates remain a significant threat to public safety in our state, not only because of their penchant for violence and criminal activity, but also their relationships with other criminal organizations, such as Mexican cartels."

As per the DPS report, the Texas Mexican Mafia is among a handful of gangs that pose "the greatest gang threat" due to its cartel relationships, high levels of transnational criminal activity, level of committed violence and overall statewide strength and presence.

"Cartel and gang relationships remain steady. Mexican cartels and Texas gangs work together to distribute drugs throughout the state, smuggle illegal (immigrants) across the border and procure and move weapons to Mexico," the DPS report states.

"Cartels sometimes reach out to gang members to commit violent crimes on both sides of the border. The relationships between certain gangs and cartels fluctuate based on cartel structures and cell alignments, gang alignment with specific cartels, threats or coercion and familial ties. As long as illicit cross-border crimes are profitable, the relationship between cartels and gangs will continue."

Keeping ahead

Authorities are always keeping ahead of any new players in the area, said Investigator Joe E. Baeza, Laredo police spokesman.

"We really haven't seen anything that's substantial or raising a red flag. But we're constantly monitoring and tracking any new crime trends in the city," he said.

Proof of the proactive approach LPD has taken could be the reduction in crime over the last eight years. In mid-July, police released its uniform crime reports from last year showing an overall 40 percent reduction in crime.

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Police said in the report that "2,093 fewer violent offenses and 6,834 less property crimes = 8,927 offenses that did not take place in 2016 compared to 2009 with an overall reduction of 40 percent."

"Today, because of the extraordinary police officers and civilians who risk their personal welfare and their dedication to their duties, the city of Laredo is more secure," LPD said in a statement.