ABSTRACT
The prison gang culture of the Texas correctional system facilitated the development of the Barrio Azteca in 1986. A key factor in understanding the domestic security threat provided by Barrio Azteca is their ascent from prison gang to transnational outfit. All levels of US law enforcement and homeland security are aware of the threats caused by transnational gangs. Combating prison and street gangs remains a difficult endeavor; however, it becomes beyond average difficulty when specific gangs are transnational and have associations with larger criminal syndicates. From their origins as an El Paso-based prison gang, the Barrio Azteca steadily gained influence and a foothold in the narcotics trafficking business along the West Texas border with Mexico. Barrio Azteca’s sophisticated membership, custom of extreme violence, and ease operating out of the prison system supports the notion that they are a problematic factor in maintaining security along the US southern border.
