Deep Inside the Latin Street Kings Gang

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• published: 14 Apr 2014
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In this show, investigators provide a firsthand look at the Latin Kings Gang. The Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN, ALKN, LKN) is the largest and one of the most organized Hispanic street gangs in the United States of America, which has its roots dating back to the 1940s in Chicago, Illinois. Overview The Latin Kings street gang was formed in Chicago in the 1940s and consisted predominantly of Puerto Rican males. Although it was created by Puerto Ricans, most factions of the gang are now dominated by Mexicans, specifically in the Midwest, and Chicago - the city with the second largest Mexican population in the United States. The Latin Kings formed in Chicago during the 1940s and have grown exponentially through the years. The Latin Kings' chapters operate in at least 39 states, 206 cities, and have spread to all of Latin America, Spain, Europe, and other countries. Today, the Kings are as violent and ruthless as ever — many of the leaders and members have been indicted for mass murders, million-dollar drug trafficking operations, and federal weapons charges. Subdivisions and size Originally created with the philosophy of "overcoming racial prejudice" and creating an organization of "Kings" and "Queens," the Latin Kings evolved into a criminal enterprise operating throughout the United States under two umbrella factions—Motherland, also known as KMC (King Manifesto and Constitution), and Bloodline (New York City). All members of the gang refer to themselves as Latin Kings and, currently, individuals of any nationality are allowed to become members. Motherland faction: Latin Kings associating with the Motherland faction also identify themselves as "Almighty Latin King Nation (ALKN)," and make up more than 160 structured chapters operating in 158 cities in 31 states. The membership of Latin Kings following KMC is estimated to be 20,000 to 35,000. Bloodline faction: The Bloodline Manifesto was founded by Luis Felipe AKA "King Blood" in the New York State Collins correctional Facility in 1986. Latin Kings associating with New York State Bloodline Chapter also identify themselves as the "Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN)." Membership is estimated to be as many as 7,500, divided among several dozen Tribes operating in 15 cities in 5 states. New York State Bloodline Latin Kings share a common culture and structure with KMC and respect them as the Motherland, but all chapters do not report to the Chicago leadership hierarchy. Criminal focus The gang's primary source of income is the street-level distribution of powder cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Latin Kings continue to portray themselves as a community organization while engaging in a wide variety of criminal activities, including assault, burglary, homicide, identity theft, and money laundering.