Although gang activity may not immediately spring to mind when one thinks about Kansas, the Sunflower State is no stranger to the existence of violent criminal groups. Numerous gangs have established their territories over time, instilling fear and strengthening their hold on local communities. Here’s a closer look at Kansas’s top five most deadly gangs and how their power has been increasing.
- The Crips
The Crips, who started in California, have spread to Kansas, especially to bigger areas like Wichita and Topeka. The Crips are a constant menace because of their violent turf disputes, drug trafficking, and illicit firearm trade. Since the gang frequently enlists young people who are at risk of crime and lures them into a vicious cycle, local law enforcement is still struggling to deal with their presence.
- The MS-13
With origins in Central America, the notorious MS-13 has infiltrated several areas of Kansas. This group is well-known for its severe acts of violence, which include vicious attacks and homicides. MS-13 can more easily operate in the shadows while expanding their network through drug distribution and human trafficking thanks to Kansas’s agricultural centers and migratory people.
- Sureños (Sur-13)
An organization associated with Mexican cartels, the Sureños, have spread throughout the Midwest, including Kansas. This gang, which is well-known for its organized crime and drug trafficking, frequently engages in conflict with other gangs, which intensifies violence in the neighborhoods it affects. Even behind bars, their influence creates a deadly climate in jails.
- The Bloods
The Bloods, who are the Crips’ rivals, have also expanded into Kansas, frequently imitating their rival’s strategies. Their major means of power assertion continue to be drug distribution and gang violence. Their actions disturb neighborhoods in places like Kansas City and smaller villages nearby, making locals fearful of crossfire and retaliatory attacks.
- The Brotherhood of the Aryans
The Aryan Brotherhood is becoming more and more active in Kansas, both inside and outside of the prison system. This white supremacist group commits violent crimes, drug distribution, and racketeering. They frequently reach out to rural communities, where their efforts are not as well-known but have just as much of an impact.
The Increasing Issue
Fighting gang violence in Kansas presents many difficulties for local authorities and law police. The issue is exacerbated by elements including access to firearms, a lack of juvenile activities, and financial difficulties. Gangs can further expand their influence and recruit new members thanks to social media.
Concluding remarks
Even though Kansas isn’t known for having gangs, these hazardous groups serve as a clear warning that crime may spread to any part of the nation. In order to address the underlying causes of gang violence, communities, law enforcement, and legislators must collaborate to support prevention initiatives and establish safer surroundings for all.