The is Gang Violence

While zero-tolerance immigration policies have deported thousands of immigrants with criminal backgrounds, those being current MS13 members. It is still one of society’s biggest problems in the US. There is no anti-gang approach that exists that will fix the problem if we only remain to focus on prosecuting and punishing with prison, is just not enough. Members usually still recruit and commit acts of crime within prison. Our focus has to be in intervention, there’s thousands of youths that find gang membership very appealing.

If we make our education systems stronger and fund local gang intervention programs, we tackle the problem from the root. Developing continuous policies for local authorities is not enough. Communities need to come together to find solutions: create partnerships with churches, schools and other organizations that work directly with youths.

Youths need a safe place where they could feel the love and support. When working with youths we are giving them the chance to follow the correct path.

Another solution is reaching out to former gang members, these members play a very important role in keeping youths from joining gangs. Former gang members could engage in outreach, reaching out to local youth communities. Their success stories help convince youths that the gang life isn’t just money and luxury.

Programs like “Homeboy Industries” founded by Father Greg Boyle founded in 1988 uses an individual approach that focuses on training former gang members and incarcerated individuals with job training skills. The story of Gerardo Lopez, a former gang member who was only 14 years old when he joined MS13 also helps bring gang awareness to the general public.

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Lopez shares how Homies Unidos gave him a secure place where he could feel valued without having to engage in violent acts. Programs like Homeboy Industries and Homies Unidos prevents youths from stepping into gangs, and for those that are already in gangs it helps them get out.

The goal in gang prevention is to provide youth with the tools on how to become productive members of society. Lopez’s experience with Homies Unidos helped him find what he really wanted in life. Lopez became an activist against gang violence, got a degree in Criminal Justice and worked as a counselor during a detention facility. When someone decides to join a gang it’s actually because they feel disconnected. Programs like Homies Unidos helps members find their self-worth by building strong families. It also helps current members escape the gang life. Gang members who want out of the gang sometimes don’t know how, and we must be there and provide them with the support in order so they could get out safely.