In New Tactic, L.A. Goes After Gangs' Money
Yahoo News : Daniel B. Wood : January 15th 2009

Link:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20090115/ts_csm/apayup;_ylt=AiVrlq1zMsMPKeFyBDvFIuwDW7oF

Summary:
The city of Los Angeles, which is arguably the national gang epicenter, has developed a new tactic to use against gangs, cash damages. The city announced Tuesday that it had won its first civil judgment, for $5 million, against the 5th and Hill gang that had dominated the heroin trade in downtown LA for decades. The verdict could bode well for another first-of-its-kind lawsuit the city filed last month against 18th Street Gang members that goes after all the assets of gang leaders, not just those associated with their criminal activity. Both suits will funnel money back into improving the neighborhoods affected by the gangs through a fund. The civil suits were filed under different amendments to state laws, one passed in 2007 and one in 2008, designed to strengthen authorities' ability to control gangs. The 2007 amendment allows law enforcement to seize assets associated with criminal conduct. But the 2008 law goes even further – it allows prosecutors to collect damages from gang members' personal assets, too. The December suit against the 18th Street gang is the first to make use of the 2008 amendment. The City Attorney's office says it is moving against the 18th Street gang on behalf of residents who can't file suit themselves because they can't afford the expenses and they fear retaliation. Gangs control certain neighborhoods by exacting so-called "street taxes" on home and business owners as well as street vendors. It names nine leaders of the 18th Street gang, which has operated for years in the Pico-Union and Westlake areas.

U.S. MILITARY REPORT WARNS 'SUDDEN COLLAPSE' OF MEXICO IS POSSIBLE
The El Paso Times : Diana Washington Valdez : January 13, 2009

Link:
http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_11444354

Summary:
Mexico is one of two countries that "bear consideration for a rapid and sudden collapse," according to a report by the U.S. Joint Forces Command on worldwide security threats. The command's "Joint Operating Environment (JOE 2008)" report, which contains projections of global threats and potential next wars, puts Pakistan on the same level as Mexico. "In terms of worse-case scenarios for the Joint Force and indeed the world, two large and important states bear consideration for a rapid and sudden collapse: Pakistan and Mexico. As reasons, the report points to the fact that the government, politicians, police and judicial infrastructure are all under sustained assault and press by criminal gangs and drug cartels. In recent weeks, the Department of Homeland Security and former U.S. drug czar Barry McCaffrey issued similar alerts about Mexico.

Analytical Note:
I would be highly interested in the details of the contingency planning which is no doubt taking place should a Mexican collapse occur.

Nine Severed Heads Found in Mexico
Washington Post : December 22nd 2008

Link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/21/AR2008122100968.html

Summary:
Nine severed heads were found in the Mexican state of Guerrero yesterday. Apparently, the heads, belonging to Mexican soldiers, were found together in plastic bags and the bodies were recovered from other sites. The heads, though not reported in this article, were found with a note indicating these murders were a reprisal for military actions against the drug cartels. To date, there have been 5,300 drug related murders in Mexico this year.

Comment:
The situation in Mexico is completely out of control. Mexican authorities are now murdered wholesale! According to voluminous press reporting, the power and influence of the Mexican cartels is growing and spreading. They are spreading out into the south western United States in order to control the distribution networks, Like MS-13 Cliques, and also into Guatemala and points south to control the supply and increase profits. In short they want to cut out middle men. It’s clear they will kill whoever gets in their way.

Seven Die In Guatemalan Prison Riot
The Washington Post (From Reuters) : November 22nd 2008

Summary:
Seven inmates have been killed in a prison riot between members of MS-13 and the 18th Street Gang. The riots took place at Pavoncito prison in Guatemala, which holds almost 900 prisoners, mostly drug offenders. The riots were reportedly caused when a transfer of prisoners from another prison occurred. Apparently, as part of the killings several of the killed were decapitated and their heads were put on stakes.

Comment:
MS-13 seems to derive its culture from several prisons in El Salvador. There have been instances in the past where murders on US soil were conducted on orders originating from prisons in El Salvador. However, as this article illuminates, there are MS members in prisons in large numbers throughout Central America.

Link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/22/AR2008112201542.html