These include becoming an informant, acts of homosexuality, acts of cowardice, and showing disrespect against fellow gang members. According to the gang's constitution, members may also be punished or murdered if they commit any of four major infractions. The penalty for refusing orders or failing to complete an assigned task is often death. Members are expected to engage in tests of their loyalty to La Eme, which may include theft or murder. They have almost a thousand associates that help carry out those orders and have the theoretical control of all Sureño gang members. Many Mexican Mafia members have the authority to order murders and oversee various other criminal activities. Law enforcement believes that La eMe presently is not presided over by a single leader. Government considers the Mexican Mafia to be 'The most powerful, dangerous and feared criminal organization in the world', and even considers La Eme to be more dangerous and at least as powerful as any Mexican cartel. The Mexican Mafia appears to have a reach and influence into every Hispanic street gang in Southern California, including the notoriously brutal MS-13 and 18th Street Gang. Government officials state that there are currently 400–500 official members of the Mexican Mafia with numerous associates within the prison and an estimate of more than 50,000 foot soldiers who also carry out its illegal activities on the streets in the hopes of becoming full members.

Law enforcement officials report that the Mexican Mafia is the deadliest and most powerful gang within the California prison system. Despite its name, the Mexican Mafia did not originate in Mexico, and is entirely a U.S. The Mexican Mafia (Spanish: Mafia Mexicana), also known as La eMe (Spanish for 'the M'), is a Mexican American criminal organization in the United States. West Coast and Southwestern U.S., and throughout the federal prison system and California prisons ĭrug trafficking, extortion, illegal gambling, prostitution, assault and murder Organization's name tattooed on member's abdomen.ġ957 65 years ago ( 1957) ĭeuel Vocational Institution, California, United States

Vista homeboys gang members in prison