Gang Violence and its Threat to Domestic and US National Security Interests

Gang activity is increasing in the United States. Traditional street gangs are becoming more violent; transnational gangs are growing and establishing new territories at an alarming rate. They are committing more crimes and instilling fear in the American public like never before. In addition, these gangs have become a threat to our national security interests as non-state and sub-state actors. Gangs engage in many and varied illegal activities to finance their organizations, including smuggling of drugs, people, and weapons across US borders. Terrorists could potentially use these gang networks for illegal immigration/smuggling services and as a means to smuggle weapons of mass destruction (WMD) into the United States. Although law enforcement efforts have increased over the last few years, there are still inadequate resources being devoted to the problem and a lack of understanding regarding how to deal with it. This is a growing and complex issue that requires a multinational and multipronged solution to minimize the threat to US national and regional security interests. Not only is this a major problem along US-Mexico border, it may also be a potential threat along the Canadian border. The United States must acknowledge the threat that these gangs present in bringing potential terrorists and WMD over our borders and into America. It is a growing concern and one that is unlikely to receive adequate attention and resources until it is too late. The military services are addressing this potential threat and engaging in regional security cooperation efforts with neighboring countries to help thwart this ever increasing risk to our society and security.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.