During our road trip along the U.S./Mexico border, we took a walk along the Rio Grande in El Paso, Texas. Often, Huitzilopochtli is depicted wearing either a hummingbirds beak (which led to the nickname Hummingbird from the South) or an eagles beak. Mixcoatltattoos are commonly worn by people who need a reminder that patience is crucial when theyre pursuing the things they want. Efforts to halt their efforts have been modest at best. Frogs were often associated with water which is crucial for both health and agriculture. Their main goal was being able to control the drug trade between Texas and Mexico ("Barrio Azteca). It was a sign of ultimate respect for their accomplishments. Although numerically and financially inferior and facing multiple powerful advisories, the Barrio Azteca gang managed to murder many significant members of their enemies in several Texas prison facilities. 734. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Despite the dark subject matter thatMictlantecuhtlievokes, many people choose to represent him in permanent ink on their bodies. Many of the Mexican cartel crimes in the illegal alien community go unreported. Are you crazy for Aztec culture and history? Some speculated that the car was shot up in retaliation against the male husbands of the employees, because one of them worked in a custody facility in El Paso where the Azteca gang members were incarcerated. They are also responsible for the distribution and sale of narcotics both in and outside prisons. 21 of 36 22 of 36 Barrio Azteca. The random behavior of monkeys or the slow nature of the tortoise was also a popular choice. Why Install a Turbo Charger in Your Vehicle? Aztec culture has been a subject of interest by scientists and history enthusiasts alike. Barrios are urban neighborhoods within the United States that have a high concentration of Hispanics, variably identified as Latinos, Hispanos, Mexicans, Chicanos, Puerto Ricans, or other nationalities from Central and Latin American. Others choose this design as a way to show appreciation for the incredibly long chain of cause-and-effect events that led to their creation. However some think that it is manufactured paranoia that is created by people who want to assert fear and panic to profit from such as to agencies and special groups. Even children were tattooed in Aztec culture; often of certain Gods in the hope that the child would remain faithful to that God and forever see them as their deity. In tattoos, Tezcatlipoca is typically depicted with a black face or jaguar headdress. From murder, drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, torture, and more. I went to Bassett. For most of the 80s and 90s, Barrio Azteca was the hand of several Mexican drug cartels and organized crime families. Receive the latest law enforcement in-depth information, news and products. Tlloc, or He who makes things sprout, is the Aztec god of rain and fertility. Born in the notorious Texas prison system, Barrio Azteca has evolved into one of the largest and most violent gangs in the state. Therefore, it was held in high regard as a godly figure and was honored on peoples bodies with tattoos. We will discuss more what these tattoo designs mean in the last section. In Aztec mythology,Coatlicueis considered the creator of all life and the mother of all that exists. Aztec tattoos each have a specific meaning, as weve discussed, either relating to a God or tribal status. Aztec tattoos may be popular because they were considered sacred. They represented the best warriors the society had to offer roughly the equivalent of knights in medieval Europe. [10] By June 2020, the Sinaloa Cartel's Los Salazar cell, and not Barrio Azteca, was the only other organized crime group which was considered on par with La Linea for control of the Ciudad Jurez drug trafficking market. They often use the letters "BA" or numbers "21" as their identifying symbols and tattoos. You said you went to Bassett Middle School. Aztec tattoos, almost always done with black and grey ink, are tribal tattoos that have a ferocity about them with intricate lines and even 3D effects. They can be representative of challenging experiences youve overcome and dark periods of your life that have come to define you. The members of this gang even wield influence in Juarez, Mexico - where they have another 5,000 or more members. You can look right into Mexico and the heart of Ciudad Juarez across the river. Eduardo Ravelo, arrestado en Mxico, es considerado lder de la pandilla Barrio Azteca y principal responsable de la alta tasa de violencia en la regin fronteriza de Jurez-El Paso. Whoever stopped or refuse to tribute support, they would get a green light in the mafia community, which means that the other gangs that are protected. The gang expanded after 1996, due in part to increasing deportations of imprisoned Mexican criminals by the United States. These characteristics make it an ideal tattoo design for anyone who wants to remember where they came from while looking forward to where theyre going. this is possible because of gang members being in both Mexico and the U.S. Today, people choose to get Aztec frog tattoos for many of the same reasons. They became a transnational gang due to the drug trafficking industry. GIBSON: The Barrio Azteca started in 1986 and then had a constitution and signed it. The Barrio Azteca ( Spanish pronunciation: [barjo asteka] ), or Los Aztecas ( pronounced [los astekas] ), is a Mexican-American street, and prison gang originally based in El Paso, Texas. They are used for the distribution of smaller amounts of narcotics. Leaders direct members to forward a portion of their profits to Barrio Azteca members in prison and to their lawyers. Hiding a stain. no. The Barrio Azteca prison gang started in 1986 in El Paso Texas prisons system. All rights reserved. Barrio Azteca : x : 21,Aztec men or women: Bernatown : Bishops : Black Berets : Black P Stone Nation : BPSN;Colors - Black, Red and Green Many choose to getXochipillitattoos as representations of their inner happiness or their appreciation for the beauty and positivity that surrounds them. barrio: 1 n an urban area in a Spanish-speaking country Type of: populated area , urban area a geographical area constituting a city or town n a Spanish-speaking quarter in a town or city (especially in the United States) Type of: quarter a district of a city having some distinguishing character 45 pages. The Barrio Azteca gang members organize themselves using a paramilitary structure and apply English terms or their Spanish equivalent words for ranks such as captain, lieutenant, and sergeant. In my opinion Benito Juarez was one of the best presidents Mexico has had. Some veteran gang members claim that the Barrio Azteca gang can trace its roots in El Paso back to the original 1940s El Paso Tip gang (ept). Barrio. I drove 250 miles to come face to face with a Barrio Azteca who'd been my middle school classmate. Once their sentence is over, immigrants are sent back to their home country, allowing them to take parts in a variety of crimes. Another popular Aztec tattoo is of a metal Aztec plate with tribal symbols. In the late 1400's, conquistadors started their first voyages to the New World. You also have sergeants who may or may not be full-fledged gang members. Gang Profile - Barrio Azteca. In San Diego, North Count, gang activity has Rudy Espudo, the leader of a Mexican Mafia group, pleaded guilty to his organized crimes involving the mafia. Theyre often worn by people who want to celebrate their free-spirited and fun-loving personalities. The city of Las Vegas has changed rapidly from becoming a beautiful city to a violent place to live in. In Juarez they formed assassination teams whose mission was to hunt down rivals. Any gang member who's spent any time in custody has practiced slipping out of handcuffs and shackles, and you can bet one or more of them carry jail-made handcuff keys. Huehuecoyotlis the Aztec god of song, dance, and mischief. THE BARRIOS OF LOS ANGELES AND SAN ANTONIO. What you usually see in any gun buyback program is elderly people turning in old junk guns from some closet or garage where they have sat gathering dust for many years. By the early 2000s, the gang controlled prisons in Chihuahua, and has since continued to grow. Check the quality: Before you buy, inspect the quality of the product. Manypeoplein Aztec societies saw the Toltecs as their predecessors. Together they make the short title for the Barrio Azteca; BA. [4][5][6] Currently one of the most violent gangs in the United States,[7] they are said to have over 3,000 members across the country in locations such as New Mexico, Texas, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania as well as at least 5,000 members in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. It can mean that you are using the tattoo a token of protection from evil. Video Barrio azteca tattoo meanings 1 JAIME VILLA v. THE STATE OF TEXAS - FindLaw Caselaw 2 FBI increasing focus on gang tattoos; local agencies track them 3 Five things to know about the return of Barrio Azteca as top gang threat 4 Negotiating Violence and Protection in Prison and on the Outside A question for the mayor: If it really is unacceptable, why do you continue to accept it? The Aztecs were advanced in metallurgy and made many objects out of gold, copper, and tumbaga (a mix of gold and copper). They completed their research by survey. What is the benefit of body-scanning technology in relationship to buying clothes? URIBE: Gibson first encountered the gang as a rookie jailer 22 years ago. These tattoos were done in tribute to the Gods, which seems like a great concept for a religion (more tattoos? They also were more intricately designed than tattoos of many other cultures during the period. BIRTH OF THE BARRIO. Alyssa Renee McCormack is a writer, curator, and photographer who publishes articles on the topics of the arts, culture, and social justice. And the Barrio Azteca got its start here in El Paso. Tezcatlipocaisoften associated with death and rebirthbecausehe rules over the moon as it disappears and reappears over the course of many days. The letters BA and Azteca tattoos, Territory: Ciudad Juarez, El Paso Texas, Midland Texas, Odessa Texas, Las Cruces New Mexico, northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, and smaller chapters across the United States. Tonatiuh tattoos are frequently seen as symbolic of light, positivity, and inner power. Symbols: 915, EPT, 21, BA, Azteca theme tattoos Territory: El Paso TX, Ciudad Juarez, Midland TX, Odessa TX, Las Cruces New Mexico, and small chapters across the United States and northern Mexican state of Chihuahua. Barrio refers to the poor Mexican-American neighborhoods where they grew up. What measurements are used to size men's pants and shirts? People get them as reminders that life is temporary and that every moment on Earth is precious. The victim was brutally tortured before being sent to the Juarez Cartel. 29 The Barrio Azteca gang derives most of its income from smuggling heroin, powdered cocaine, and marijuana from Mexico into the United States through the portal it controls between the cities of El Paso and Juarez. They often use the letters "BA" or numbers "21" as their identifying symbols and tattoos. There are many occasions when Rodriguez relays an account where the police call the men very racist names and act upon their beliefs in a very brutal manner. Her mother isCoatlicueand she is a sister to Huitzilopochtli (the sun god). Most Wanted Lubbock Gang Members. Each deity has a symbolic pattern used by its worshippers. The meanings for Toltec tattoos vary depending on the chosen design. Hernan Cortes was a hero that conquered the Aztec Empire. They sought gold, resources, and to convert any indigenous peoples they came across. The group was created within the El Paso Correctional Facility and soon evolved to become one of the most violent transnational gangs in North America. Mixcoatlis the Aztec god of the hunt and is often depicted with the features of a deer or rabbit, carrying a bow with an arrow ready to be let loose. Barrio Azteca do not have a specific tattoo but have been known to use an Aztec Indian head. On display are collections of monuments, figurines, pottery, and jewelry from the Maya, Toltec, Olmec, Aztec, and other Mesoamerican cultures, which . Ollinis an Aztec symbol associated with the godXolotl. These guys embody the border. A common tattoo for an Aztec warrior, this design typically shows the eagle facing to the west with its beak open and its feathers protruding from its head. In addition to Shamoo Rodriguez and Porky Amaro, 11 others have already pled guilty. This was a popular tattoo for this reason. Monique Ortiz Uribe brought us here. JEFF GIBSON: The Barrio Azteca are everywhere. Exaggerated? POST-WORLD WAR II GROWTH. Espudo played a leading role in his gang that was under the protection of the Mexican Mafia. Barrio refers to the poor Mexican-American neighborhoods where they grew up. URIBE: The Barrio Azteca acquired weapons in the U.S. and then smuggled them into Mexico to arm the cartel. . The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. Haylie Galvan This tattoo typically represented what tribe the warrior belonged to. Another popular theme in Aztec body art is the use of animal symbols such as eagles, frogs, jaguars, monkeys, and tortoises. Blood River: With Telles Alberto Rene. The Barrio Azteca, Mexican Mafia, MS-13, 18th Street Gang, and Somali gangs have all reportedly been involved in alien smuggling, according to NGIC and law enforcement reporting. This recording was obtained by U.S. authorities. "[10] Members usually have U.S. citizenship, making them ideal cross-border killers able to move back and forth across the U.S.-Mexico border. We cannot guarantee the accuracy, of the information provided through our service. The sun was seen as the end all be all of their people and was cherished rightly so. Ometeotlis an Aztec creationdietythat was formed by the merging of husband and wife duo,OmetecuhtliandOmecihuatl. He continues this theme of social inequality as he talks about his experiences in school and his parents ' experiences in their jobs. Barrio Azteca Crips: Puro Tango Blast, . Rodriguez shows the cop and gangster relationship multiple times. Many believe that the sun gods warmth will help them remain happy and strong in times of struggle or hardship. Operating on both sides of the border are Hermanos Pistoleros Latinos, Mexican Mafia, the Texas Syndicate, Barrio Azteca and the Bloods. Three or more persons having a common identifying sign or symbol. Her name translates to English as Lady of Skirts in reference to the serpents that typically create a mosaic pattern on her skirt. So now we're going down a set of concrete steps down into a tunnel that will take us into the prison. In Texas, an El Paso-based gang has spread across the U.S., and has also sent some members to Mexico for training with the Zetas. Aspiring to one of these traits and deciding to put an image symbolizing it on your body proves to yourself that you are committed to being the person you want to be. The current leader of the Barrio Azteca, recognized by a majority of its members, is Mexican national Eduardo Ravelo. Information, Signs, & Symbols Listed Alphabetically - This is not an all inclusive list. What is noteworthy in this pleading before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norbert J. Garney in the Western District of Texas, El Paso Division, is that while both are BA members, Shamoo Rodriguez, 35, is a resident of El Paso. At the bottom of the hierarchical structure are the solders. His parents names were Martin Cortez and Catalina Pizarro Altamirano. This also extends to the placement of the tattoos where the location on the body had its own ritualistic meaning. He was born in 1485 in Medellin, Spain. It is also defined as all of the tokens of the same symbol. Cawley, Marguerite. Prison Assassinations and Modus Operandi The nortenos also pledge allegiance to a prison gang but not the Mexican Mafia. He is often depicted with a red face and wearing ear ornaments shaped like musical notes. Rivals:Tango, Patria Revolucion Mexicana (PRM), Sinaloa Cartel. 1:06. pp. The swastika is a gang, 13 Barrio Azteca gang member found dead in cell Corrections1, 14 Prison Tattoos and Their Meanings TatRing, 15 Tattoos Associated With The Barrio Azteca Gang | PDF Scribd, https://caselaw.findlaw.com/tx-court-of-criminal-appeals/1853821.html, https://www.naplesnews.com/news/state/fbi-increasing-focus-on-gang-tattoos-local-agencies-track-them-informally-ep-387155085-342385871.html, https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/slideshow/Barrio-Azteca-top-gang-threat-Texas-188301.php, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1057567719836466, https://truecrimedaily.com/2015/10/06/ink-in-the-clink-prison-tattoos-explained/, https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/local/juarez/2020/01/07/reputed-barrio-azteca-old-guard-el-ferro-gang-leader-binational-se-busca-wanted-list-arrest/2820348001/, https://publicintelligence.net/el-paso-intelligence-center-mexican-u-s-consulate-murderers-gang-warning/, https://www.ranker.com/list/gang-tattoo-meanings/katia-kleyman, https://www.slideshare.net/DanielChung15/prison-tattoos, http://latinoprisongangs.blogspot.com/2010/04/mexicanhispanic-gang-tattoos.html, https://www.coursehero.com/file/29201238/Gangs-Test-1docx/, https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Hidden-meanings-behind-criminal-s-tattoos-5753373.php, https://www.corrections1.com/gang-and-terrorist-recruitment/articles/barrio-azteca-gang-member-found-dead-in-cell-ZNs3yJgZU1tAPFNx/, https://tatring.com/tattoo-ideas-meanings/Prison-tattoo-meanings-Jailhouse-tattoos-Prison-tattoo-art, https://www.scribd.com/document/79594381/Tattoos-Associated-With-the-Barrio-Azteca-Gang, The best 20+ hawaiian tattoo design meanings, The list of 20+ egyptian cat tattoo meaning, Top 21 great wave off kanagawa tattoo meaning. Therefore, the Aztec sun tattoo symbolizes oneness with the Earth and acceptance for all human beings. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. The strong presences of these gangs are taking innocent lives and making the community a harder place to raise a family in. With the gang life often comes the reality of the police and drug abuse. Not much is known about the history of Aztec tattoos, but it is known that tattoos were performed in rituals for Gods such as Cuauhtli or Uitzilopochtle. Back to Gang Listings. Xochiquetzal, or Precious Feather Flower, was the Aztec goddess of fertility, love, and beauty. Ever since its creation, the main idea behind this enterprise was that of scaring its enemies into submission. Gangland - Barrio Azteca Part 5 Gangland - Barrio Azteca Part 4 Gangland - Barrio Azteca Part 3 Gangland - Barrio Azteca Part 2 Gangland - Barrio Azteca Part 1 : The Gang Threat : . Alliances: Juarez Cartel Members: 2,000 Ethnicity: Hispanic BIO In 1987, Barrio Azteca members murder a Raza Unida prospect. Today you'll find the Barrio Azteca jailed on both sides of the border. The Barrio Azteca gang might have been hurt by Operation Knock Down but it certainly has not been knocked out. Tags:Barrio Azteca Law Enforcement Sensitive Mexican Drug Cartels Mexican Gangs texas, International Criminal Police Organization, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, International Council of Chemical Associations, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Business Executives for National Security, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, Office of Inspector General of the Depratment of Defense, Department of Homeland Security Testimony, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Agency, U.S. Agency for International Development. Press Enter / Return to begin your search. INSKEEP: In a very safe city, but nevertheless they became a very dangerous gang and one you'd known about for a long time. But local law enforcement experts have documented that the gang was founded in 1986 by gangsters Benito "Benny" Acosta, Alberto "Indio" Estrada, Benjamin "T-Top" Olivarez, Manuel "Tolon" Cardoza, Manuel "El Grande" Fernandez, Ral "Rabillo" Fierro, and Jos "Gitano" Ledesma. The gang cooperates with allied Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO) or transports the illicit cargo themselves. They grew quickly by recruiting violent individuals, especially from the El Paso-Juarez area. He died on December 2, 1547. 29 Jan. 2017. Barrio Azteca do not have a specific tattoo but have been known to use an Aztec Indian head. Barrio Azteca or Los Azteca is a violent street gang with several thousand members operating out of southern states like New Mexico and Texas and even East Coast states like Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.