Re-inventing the Kings

Cpl. Daryl Macaluso, Gang Resistance Education And Training Unit, Durham North Carolina

Lots have changed since King Tone has gone to prison. The Latin Kings are no longer the dominate gang on the east coast (the United Blood Nation has taken that spot although they have their own internal issues). Mara Salvatrucha has gripped the media and spurred a growth in their gang numbers (through all the unsolicited advertising they receive). Mexican (and other South American) migrant workers are moving to east for the higher salaries, the growth of southern cities and the renaissance occurring in north eastern cities like Baltimore and New York. Of course they’ve brought the Cali-gangster life style with them. Now they (the ALKQN) would have to compete with surenos, nortenos, ms, bloods and others for a piece of the pie.

For those not from the east coast let me fill you in just a little. The northern (Norte 14) and southern (Sur 13) gang structure that exists in the California prison system has little to no influence way out east. Many Sureno gang cliques see MS13 as an enemy and there isn’t that prison gang influence as much on the street. 18th Street (MS 13’s chief rival worldwide) on the east coast have decided to “flag” red so Law Enforcement and/or anyone else would not confuse them with MS13 . Believe it or not, some cops see all Latino gangsters as “Serainos or Mary Sallatruchuh” (purposely typed in the bad pronouncation). The Latin cultures are different, the Latin gang cultures are different but, these differences are another story.

MS13 has become an enemy of the Latin King on Long Island NY, where many El Salvadorian refugees where placed. This has created a new opportunity for the Latin Kings. The Latin Kings ended their feud with the UBN. Legend has it King Tone and OG Mack met in prison and formed an alliance since they both “ride that five”. Then also they formed a loose alliance with Norteno Cliques which have found common ground with the bloods since they both “ride that red”. They’ve also formed a loose alliance with 18th Street (which again on the east coast “ride that red”). Using this Hatred for MS, the strong Latino pride and protection from black gangs platform, the ALKQN have started recruiting outside of the traditional Caribbean Latino Community (Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Dominicans).

Taken pages out of King Tone’s philosophy, they have been recruiting using church, god, culturalism and pride to recruit Surenos into the Latin Kings. With all the prayers and structure the younger gangsters see the Latin Kings as more than just a gang. Separated from the influence of the veteranos out in Cali the Latin kings have been adopting cliques. Teaching them their history, their culture and of course Kingism. Entire gang cliques have been reflagging as Bloodline Kings.

The Re-invention of the Kings can be a serious issue. Why? It cuts out the middle man on both sides of the border. The Traditional Puerto Rican Kings are American citizens and have no problems getting into political office, Law Enforcement, Border Patrol, Homeland Security, DMV, or any government agencies. The new South and Central American Kings have direct access to the cartels, drug and human smuggling trade.

I’m counting on gangster greed and gangster envy to slow or put the breaks on the success of the Kings endeavor. I’m also counting on my LEO brethren to keep their eyes and minds open... As always stay safe!

Re-Inventing the Kings
Ex-sureno now Latin King has a classic cholo face with a crown