Gang That Makes the FBI Nervous is Now Active in Michigan

When the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) describes a group as perpetually violent with crimes ranging from "assaults to homicides, using firearms, machetes, or blunt objects—to intimidate rival gangs, law enforcement, and the general public," and you find out they're active in Michigan; you pay attention. The Mara Salvatrucha 13, or MS-13, is that gang, and according to Business Insider, it's the one that has the FBI the most concerned.

According to the United States Department of Justice's (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs, the MS-13 was formed by immigrants escaping the civil war in their home country of Salvador. What makes this gang so dangerous is the fact that many of its members were trained by guerilla forces and are familiar with military operations.

Fear and Intimidation: Cornerstones of MS-13 in Michigan

Extorting funds from legal and illegal businesses, rape, witness intimidation, trafficking of stolen vehicles, and prescription drugs are just a few of the activities MS-13 is known for. While many other gangs employ similar tactics, none are as violent and vengeful as MS-13.

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The gang is thought to have ties to the death of Heidi E. Dowd outside of Bay City, Michigan, who was shot in the head and killed in August of 2020 by Britany A. Letourneau, who would later set her dead body on fire. MLive reports Letourneau was found guilty of "premeditated murder, mutilating a dead body, and two counts of felony firearm." Though her ties were to the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, it's thought Dowd's murder was to keep her quiet, as she had knowledge of MS-13's drug operations.

MS-13 is Now Considered a 'Foreign Terrorist Organization'

While it's thought that MS-13 is operational in at least 42 states, its time may be limited. President Trump signed an order that allowed it and organizations like it to be deemed a 'Foreign Terrorist Organization,' which gives law enforcement much more leeway and federal assistance.

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According to the official Presidential Action, the measure was taken as organizations like MS-13 present a national security risk.