The second episode of “United Gangs of America,” airing on VICE on May 22, 2024, at 9:00 PM, explores the evolving dynamics of the notorious MS-13 gang and its shifting stance on female membership. Titled “Women of MS13,” the episode uncovers the complex world of gang culture, focusing on the emergence of women within the gang’s ranks.
Traditionally, MS-13 prohibited women from joining. However, recent trends indicate a significant shift, with women not only being actively recruited but also rising through the ranks in the United States. The episode explores the motivations and experiences of these female gang members, especially the challenges they face within the gang hierarchy and the complex power dynamics at play.
MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, originated in Los Angeles, California, in the 1980s. It was initially formed by Salvadoran immigrants to protect themselves from other gangs in the area. Over time, it evolved into a more traditional criminal organization, spreading across the United States and Central America. The gang has a long-standing rivalry with the 18th Street gang.
The episode “Women of MS13” examines how the gang’s stance on female membership has changed and the impact this has on the broader gang culture. While MS-13 has a history of being chauvinistic and resistant to female inclusion, the episode reveals that some cliques in the United States are now welcoming female members, challenging conventional perceptions of gang membership.
Don’t miss “Women of MS13” on “United Gangs of America,” airing Wednesday May 22, 2024 at 9:00 PM on VICE.
