California is home to some of the most interesting and crowded towns in the U.S. Some of the most dangerous and well-known gangs are based there. They are involved in crimes like selling drugs, extortion, robbery, murder, and more, and they operate in different parts of the state. Right now, these five gangs are the most dangerous in California.
MS-13
MS-13, sometimes called Mara Salvatrucha, is a gang with a worldwide presence. It began in Los Angeles in the 1980s when families from El Salvador fled their country due to civil war. Since then, people from other parts of the U.S., Central America, Europe, and even Australia have joined the gang.
MS-13 is known for using machetes and brutal methods to kill people. The gang is involved in human trafficking, kidnapping, and drug smuggling. MS-13 has around 10,000 members in the U.S., with many based in Southern California, particularly in the San Fernando Valley and the Pico-Union area.
Nuestra Familia
Nuestra Familia, which means “Our Family,” started as a prison gang. In the late 1960s, members of the group came together while incarcerated. The gang operates like an organized military group, with strict rules and ranks.
Nuestra Familia controls most of the illegal activities in Northern California, especially in rural areas and the Central Valley. It has a long-standing rivalry with the Mexican Mafia, another powerful prison gang. Nuestra Familia has around 2,000 members, both in and out of prison. The Norteños are their street allies and support them in their activities.
Crips
The Crips are one of the largest and oldest street gangs in the U.S. The gang was founded in Los Angeles in the late 1960s by Raymond Washington and Stanley Williams. It consists of multiple “sets” or subgroups, each with its own leader and territory.
Crips are recognized by their use of the number 6, the letter “C,” and the color blue. The gang is involved in crimes such as theft, murder, and drug trafficking. There are around 35,000 Crips members in the U.S., with many located in Los Angeles, Compton, Long Beach, and Inglewood in Southern California.
Hells Angels
Formed in 1948 by World War II veterans, the Hells Angels is a motorcycle club that has gained a reputation as an outlaw gang. While some members claim it is just a biker club, law enforcement views it as a criminal organization involved in crimes like murder, drug trafficking, extortion, and racketeering.
Hells Angels members are recognized by their red colors, the letter “A,” and a skull logo. The gang has about 2,500 members in the U.S., with many based in the Bay Area, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Sacramento in California.
Armenian Power
Armenian Power (AP) is a street gang that emerged in the 1980s in Los Angeles. It consists of several “cliques,” each with its own leader and territory. The gang primarily consists of Armenian immigrants and their descendants.
Armenian Power members use symbols like the Armenian flag, the color black, and the letter “P.” The gang is involved in crimes such as fraud, identity theft, extortion, and murder. Armenian Power has around 250 members in the U.S., with most residing in Glendale, Burbank, and Hollywood in Southern California.
The Growing Threat
These are some of the most dangerous gangs in California right now, but many others also pose a threat to the safety and security of the state. Law enforcement is not the only group dealing with these gangs—communities affected by crime and corruption also struggle with their presence. Raising awareness about these gangs is crucial to preventing their expansion. It is also important to provide support and opportunities for young people and disadvantaged individuals who may be at risk of gang recruitment.
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