MS 13 Gang In Honduras

Gang Violence

      Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) is one of the most dangerous criminal gang in Central America. The earliest (MS-13) members were Salvadoran children of refugees from Los Angeles. As the new immigration laws in 1990s, the MS-13 gangs jumped to Central America and quickly spread around all countries. Today, there are more than 30,000 young people are considered to be gang members in Honduras.

    Honduras former president, Ricardo Maduro, his son was killed by gang members in 1997. Then, Maduro adopted strict anti-gang policies known as Mano Dura, which dramatically increased penalties for gang related crimes. Between 1998 and 2004, more than 2000 children and young adults have been killed in Honduras, but a study found at least 20% of the killings was conducted by the police, government may be using 'death squads' to cope with the problem.

      The murder rate of Honduras remains one of the highest in the world.