This show takes a look at
New York's Puerto Rican street gang
The Latin Kings. They originally formed in
Chicago but a chapter was formed in
New York. This episode covers the history of the gang covering its birth in prisons its spread to the streets and the spread throughout the country. Their leader king blood ordered the killing on dozens of other gang members. They exist in both prisons and on the street today.
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.
- published: 30 Mar 2014
- views: 11412