Ms 13 hand signs meaning. As a parent, you may not recognize them right away.
Ms 13 hand signs meaning. “M” on the right shoulder and a stylized “S” indicate MS membership, Apr 22, 2025 · President Donald Trump showed a photo of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s hand and said his tattoos prove an MS-13 gang link. The Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) utilises a complex system of hand signs for identification and communication. Understanding these hand signals enables an intimate glimpse into the secretive realm of MS-13 and opens doors to further probe their operations. The White House has posted what it considers proof of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's MS-13 gang membership by sharing images of tattoos on his hand. Apr 19, 2025 · WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump's recent post trying to prove that deported Maryland man, Kilmer Abrego Garcia, is a member of MS-13 gang, seemed to have backfired and opened a floodgate of conspiracy theories that questioned the authenticity of the picture. For example, a tag with the symbols of multiple subsets demonstrates unity. Norteno Affiliated Sports teams iii. Apr 18, 2017 · 6. Gerardo decoded the gang's hand signals and talked about the face tattoos that have become synonymous Sep 16, 2023 · Short answer: The Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as MS-13, uses hand signs to communicate and express loyalty to the group. Apr 25, 2019 · Signs and symbols It’s important to know your gang’s signs and symbols – especially with subsets and cliques of the same gang. One commonly used sign involves extending the thumb, index, and pinky fingers while keeping the middle and ring fingers folded down. The number "13" signifies the gang's affiliation with the Mexican Mafia, as "M" is the 13th letter of the alphabet. Aug 13, 2023 · Short answer: A gang signs list refers to a compilation of hand gestures, body movements, and symbols used by members of specific gangs to identify themselves or communicate with each other. [25] Minors also make up the majority of suspects arrested for Apr 22, 2025 · President Donald Trump showed a photo of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s hand and said his tattoos prove an MS-13 gang link. Apr 16, 2025 · Border czar Tom Homan said Wednesday evening on Fox News that an MS-13 expert allegedly verified pictures of gang-related hand tattoos that appear to corroborate that illegal migrant Kilmar Sep 11, 2023 · 4. The display of specific hand signs or gestures serves as a means for members to communicate and identify with the group, often expressing their allegiance and hierarchical status. ” Jan 23, 2006 · Mara Salvatrucha – 13 is no doubt a growing threat in the US. May 1, 2025 · What's True: Although the original image held by Trump in the photo was genuine, it had been edited to insert the text "MS-13" above the symbols tattooed on Abrego Garcia's hand. These signs often represent loyalty, status, or initiation rituals in their complex hierarchy. S. What's False Apr 20, 2025 · Donald Trump shows a photo of an MS-13 tattoo on Garcia's hand, the same that gets covered by emojis in a photo posted by his wife and is visible in another (right) photo. org Aug 18, 2017 · The number is the international calling code for Honduras, where the student grew up and where the violent international street gang MS-13 has strong ties. They help spot gang members and prevent them from defecting to the enemy. As described in the film, hand signs, gestures, area codes, body language, and tattoos are all used to communicate between members. On the knuckles May 8, 2025 · In this photo, the tattoos on Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s knuckles are clearly visible, showing the symbols that the Trump administration claims are proof of his involvement with MS-13. Aug 14, 2023 · MS-13 gang signs refer to specific hand gestures made by members to convey messages or affiliations within the gang hierarchy. Teardrop tattoos are symbols associated with gangs or prison, while cartel tattoos showcase the intensity of tattooing. Experts in MS Dec 20, 2017 · Forty years after MS-13 was founded in Los Angeles by devil-worshiping metal heads, some gang members still commit brutal crimes at the behest of “The Beast. Apr 18, 2025 · The photo shows tattoos of a marijuana leaf, a smile, a cross, and a skull, which are supposed to correspond to the letters and numbers that spell out MS-13. Aug 17, 2023 · Short answer: MS-13 gang members use specific hand signs to communicate and identify themselves within the group. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Usually these signs are made by formation of the fingers on one or both hands to make some sort of symbol or letter. Donald Trump has been Mar 24, 2024 · MS-13 tattoos represent more than just symbols etched into skin; they are complex artifacts of identity, culture, and belonging within the Mara Salvatrucha gang. What is the truth of the photoshopped photo? The words M, S and 13 are not part of the tattoo and they were used in the photo that Trump shared to denote the meaning of the tattoo. Street Signs: Symbols of Gangs Across America Asian Gangs Non-Traditional: Asian Boyz, Asian Crips, Exotic Foreign Cambodian Crips, Hmong Boys, Laotian Killer Boyz, Wah Ching Traditional: BTK, Flying Dragons, Ghost Shadows, White Tigers, 'West Coast influenced Blood sets flag on the Right Side 'People Nation affiliated Blood sets flag on the The MS 13 gang has many rituals and symbols that are used as a communication device. Contents What is the MS Gang Sign: Understanding its Origins and Significance The article discusses MS-13 tattoos, allegations against Donald Trump for using an altered photo, and the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Trump fueled speculation that there could be hidden meaning behind the tattoos when he posted a photo of himself from the Oval Office holding an image of Abrego Garcia’s hand with “M, S, 1, 3 Aug 13, 2023 · Short answer: The “MS” gang sign is a hand gesture commonly used by members of the Mara Salvatrucha, a criminal organization known as MS-13. These signs often include specific finger configurations or gestures that hold significant meanings within their subculture. However, specific interpretations of these signs may vary based on location and individual interpretation May 1, 2025 · Kilmar Abrego Garcia Has a Skull on One of His Fingers That Some People Think Is Code The skull on Kilmar Abrego Garcia's hand apparently symbolizes the 3 in MS-13. You can learn about these signs and symbols from: Graffiti; Social media; Cell searches of jails; Probation/parole searches of gang member (juvenile gang members love to put these symbols Aug 9, 2023 · Short answer: MS-13 gang sign MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, is a notorious street gang originating from Central America. Feb 21, 2024 · This article delves into the enigmatic world of MS-13, focusing on the “senas” or signs, hand gestures, tattoos, and graffiti that define their identity and purpose. Used in daily life and when posing for a photo hand signs are unique to each gang. May 1, 2025 · The Trump administration this week continued digging in on its claim that symbols tattooed on the fingers of Kilmar Abrego Garcia – a cross, a skull, a smiley face and a marijuana leaf – are Aug 18, 2023 · The MS-13 gang uses various hand signs to represent their allegiance. (Reuters/Ulises Rodriguez) Sep 7, 2023 · Each major mara like MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha 13) or Barrio 18 has its own unique set of hand signals representing loyalty and affiliation. As a parent, you may not recognize them right away. [6] Central Americans are the primary targets of violence and threats of violence by MS-13. "13" represents the letter "M", the 13th letter of the alphabet, further signifying allegiance to the Mexican Mafia, a prison gang with strong ties to MS-13. Apr 30, 2025 · PolitiFact | The figures M, S, 1 and 3 don’t appear in other photographs of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia’s hand, including one shared by the Salvadoran government. May 23, 2018 · What is MS-13? People arrested in El Salvador for being members of the MS-13 street gang flash their gang's hand signs from inside a jail cell. These signs often involve specific finger placements, such as bending fingers in certain ways or incorporating numbers, letters, or symbols through hand shapes. Apr 30, 2025 · The White House declined to explain why President Trump did not appear to realize that the photograph he held up on social media had been altered. These gestures often include specific finger positioning or subtle movements unique to the gang, representing loyalty and rank within their hierarchy. Sep 17, 2023 · Short answer ms 13 gang colors and signs: MS-13, a notorious street gang originating in Los Angeles, uses blue as its primary color. Apr 19, 2025 · Photos used to support Kilmar Abrego Garcia's MS-13 affiliation was received as "digitally altered" even as his wife concealed the ink. Gang Hand signs The use of hand signs is a popular form of communication amongst street gangs. Experts also are doubtful the tattoos show that connection. Apr 30, 2025 · US president has insisted tattoos prove MS-13 ties, but experts and photos contradict the claim in Abrego Garcia's case. US president has insisted tattoos prove MS-13 ties, but experts and photos contradict the claim in Abrego Garcia’s case. Apr 24, 2025 · U. They can be found in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and South America. Hand signals tend to evolve over time, becoming more sophisticated to maintain an exclusive language between members. For members of Bloods-affiliated gangs, the color red has particularly special meaning. Gangs are three or more individuals, using the same name, sign or symbol who commit criminal acts individually or as a group to further their agenda. Barrio 18 members likewise tattooed “18”, “XV3”, “Dieciocho” (Spanish for 18), or the word Bestia (beast, a code for 18 as 6+6+6) on their bodies. [24] Many of the victims are minors. These often overlap. The MS-13 gang, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, employs various hand signs as a form of nonverbal communication among its members. Apr 23, 2025 · On Monday, Mr. Apr 29, 2025 · The figures M, S, 1 and 3 and words below the symbols don’t appear in other photographs of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia’s hand, including one shared by the Salvadoran government. LA Mara Salvatrucha was started in the Los Angeles area by El Salvadoran immigrants. These signs are primarily used for identification and recognition purposes among members. Experts warn agains Aug 22, 2023 · Short answer ms13 gang sign: The MS-13 gang sign consists of a hand gesture formed by extending and curling the index and little fingers to form the number “13,” representing their affiliation with the Mara Salvatrucha, a transnational criminal organization. Typically these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body, but are most often found in highly visible places like the face, hands or neck. ” The most common gang hand-sign is created with the index and pinky fingers extended with the middle and ring fingers folded into the palm and the thumb covering the folded fingers. They Sep 17, 2023 · Short answer ms-13 gang signs and meanings: MS-13, a notorious criminal organization, uses various hand signals to communicate within the gang. The big transnational super gangs such as Florence, 18th Street, and Mara Salvatrucha threaten the stability of some Central American nations. Looking for information on MS-13 tattoos? Learn about their designs, meanings, and more with our comprehensive FAQ guide. The symbol is called the devil’s head. These symbols play significant roles in identifying one’s membership status within these gangs’ hierarchies while also serving as a nonverbal way of communicating messages between members. Feb 11, 2018 · The Fox News reporter's claim that MS-13, which is short for Mara Salvatrucha (a term that essentially means "Salvadoran gang" in Salvadoran slang), operates chiefly out of prisons in Central GANG SIGNS MEANINGS (BLOOD CRIP LATIN KING MS-13) THE CRIME STREET JOURNAL 7. But many people with no gang ties will get inked with similar imagery, which can lead law enforcement astray. These signs vary greatly among different gangs and can include everything from specific hand configurations to specific clothing colors worn. 91K subscribers Subscribed. However, due to their nature as criminal identifiers linked with MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) utilizes several symbols to signify membership, allegiance, and identity within the gang. Apart from ‘MS – 13’ or ‘Emese’ – short for ‘Eme Ese,’ the pronunciation of MS in Spanish, that has to be there, they The most obvious forms of representation is hand signs. MS-13 members are known for using a group-specific sign language and sporting tattoos across their bodies that display their gang name and symbols. Using his street name, Cholo, an American-born citizen of Salvadoran heritage, is a member of Mara Salvatrucha-13, the violent street gang formed by refugees of El Salvador who fled the country’s 1980’s – 90’s civil war and settled in Feb 4, 2021 · Police in Honduras say they have decoded the symbolic meanings of common tattoos used by the country's "mara" street gangs, although gang members have increasingly hidden these displays of affiliation from view as a reaction to hardline security measures. Gang experts and researchers said that while tattoos could carry gang-related meaning, they aren't enough to prove gang membership. Pagans may be confused by the meanings of tattoos, but gang members know precisely what they all symbolize. There is a complex vocabulary devised specifically to plan attacks, warn, threaten, and talk amongst the MS 13. Most notably used by the Hispanic criminal organization “Mara Salvatrucha” (MS-13), these symbols can indicate affiliation and loyalty within such groups. May 1, 2025 · The Trump administration this week continued digging in on its claim that symbols tattooed on the fingers of Kilmar Abrego Garcia – a cross, a skull, a smiley face and a marijuana leaf – are A digitally altered image that Donald Trump shared of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's knuckle tattoos - which the president presented as evidence that the deported El Salvadorian is a member of the MS-13 Aug 24, 2025 · Gang-related tattoos hold specific meanings for their bearers, and their designs and colors vary. President Donald Trump said that Garcia has "MS-13 Aug 18, 2023 · Interestingly, MS-13 signs can even have different meanings within specific regions or subsets of the gang. Trump Insists Wrongly Deported Man Has ‘MS-13’ Tattooed on His Knuckles Notorious gang’s initials were digitally added to an image of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s hand Mar 1, 2025 · Learn more about the meanings of hand gestures and signs to enhance your communication skills. These signs often involve specific hand gestures or body postures that have different meanings within the gang’s hierarchy. Apr 19, 2025 · President Trump's reliance on tattoos to identify gang members for deportation, particularly Venezuelans, faces growing criticism. These symbols are prominently displayed through tattoos, hand signs, and graffiti. Jan 31, 2020 · The FBI says MS-13 gangs continue to grow their memberships by targeting younger recruits more than ever before. These symbols act as a secret language among members while being highly notorious for creating fear among rivals or even non-gang individuals who encounter them unknowingly. Along with writing a long note Sep 1, 2023 · Short answer 3 dots gang sign: The three dots, often displayed as tattoos or hand signs, are associated with various street gangs worldwide. Trump cited an altered image as evidence. Contents Understanding Gang Signs: A Comprehensive List How to Apr 21, 2025 · Like many Americans following the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, I've started wondering if I might be a member of a transnational Salvadoran gang. Trump again shared a photo of Abrego Garcia's left hand on social media, alleging he "had 'MS-13' tattooed onto his knuckles. Each gang has its own unique culture - from symbolic colors to body art and hand signs. Hand signs are often a physical representation of gang nomenclature, such as using fingers to spell the word “blood,” or of symbols found in gang graffiti, such as pitchforks and numbers. Gang members have their own language, which contains phrases, hand signs, tattoos, markings and graffiti. García pointed to the body of a man he said Sep 26, 2023 · Short answer: MS-13 gang signs MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha 13, is a notorious transnational street gang known for its use of hand signs to communicate within their ranks. The Trump administration this week continued digging in on its claim that symbols tattooed on the fingers of Kilmar Abrego Garcia – a cross, a skull, a smiley face and a marijuana leaf – are Mar 2, 2010 · Blogs Gangs Sureño Tattoos and Symbols Sureños can be found in every major city in the U. These Sep 17, 2023 · Short answer ms 13 gang signs images: MS-13 Gang Signs are hand gestures used by members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang to communicate and identify each other. Apr 30, 2024 · The MS 13, also sometimes seen just as MS or 13, is a symbol of the Mara Salvatrucha gang from El Salvador. However due to legal constraints we are unable to provide specific details on these gestures and their precise meanings. Oct 17, 2005 · Gang Identifiers: The most identifiable MS-13 tattoo consists of the letters “M” and “S” in conjunction with the numbers “1” and “3” or “Mara Salvatrucha. This hand sign is commonly referred to OVERVIEW Mara Salvatrucha 13, or MS-13, is a transnational, mainly Hispanic, street gang notorious for its adherence to a methodology of extreme violence to enforce fear and establish street credibility. Discover greetings and how to use nonverbal cues effectively. On Friday, the president posted a photograph of himself holding a photograph of tattoos on the knuckles of Garcia's left hand that allegedly prove he was an MS-13 gang member. Mar 25, 2025 · An MS-13 veteran might have “MS” or Salvatrucha emblazoned across his back or chest, devil horn symbols on his arms, and maybe even facial tattoos of tear drops or the number 13. Their gang sign involves forming the fingers to resemble the letters “M” and “S,” symbolizing their affiliation with the group. It is used in many situations it can show that a gang member is in the area to “do business” as opposed to just passing through. Apr 30, 2025 · Cholo, shows off his gang tattoos and MS-13 hand signs on January 23, 2006 in Durham, North Carolina. Apr 29, 2025 · In an interview with ABC News’ Terry Moran, President Donald Trump doubled and tripled down on whether deportee Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia has MS13, representing the MS-13 gang, tattooed on his knuckles. Discover the meanings behind MS-13 gang tattoos, from symbols of loyalty and violence to cultural identity and evolving concealment tactics. "MS" and "13" are the most recognizable symbols, often tattooed in Gothic script. Additionally, they incorporate black and white into their attire. “Sureño” is Spanish for “southerner”. The hand sign usually identifies what major gang affiliation the individual is a part of and the particular gang he is in. Apr 19, 2025 · MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) utilizes several symbols to signify membership, allegiance, and identity within the gang. Displaying various combinations of finger placements and gestures, the exact nature of these symbols may vary over time and from region Aug 20, 2023 · Gang signs serve as powerful symbols encompassing a variety of meanings within the world of organized crime. An MS gang sign and tattoos Membership in Mara Salvatrucha consists primarily of Salvadorans and Salvadoran Americans, but also Hondurans, Guatemalans, Mexicans, and other Central and South Americans. Gang Recognition Guide As gangs become an increasing issue in our society, education is the key to recognizing their activity and understanding what they are about. In the world of the Mexican gangs and drug cartels, the image of the devil is frequently used by MS-13, as it replicates one of their commonly used gang symbols: the extension of the index and pinky fingers to simulate devil horns. It involves forming a capital letter “M” with the index and middle fingers, symbolizing loyalty to the gang. The Barrio 18 gang is MS-13’s primary foe. They act as a form of non-verbal communication among members to convey identity, allegiance, rank, and even threats or warnings to rivals. They can represent affiliation, loyalty, rank, or even threats to rival Jul 16, 2009 · PETERSBURG - Sometimes images, words, symbols and even brand names have more meaning than the people who observe those things might suspect. " Some We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. A common symbol is the "devil's head. Symbolically, members often display tattoos involving the letters “MS” or “XIII,” while hand gestures mimicking devil horns are commonly employed to indicate affiliation. And bull horns are a symbol used by Graffiti, hand signs, colors, and tattoos are indicators of gang affiliation. Jennifer Vasquez We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Apr 3, 2025 · Many gang members have tattoos to demonstrate their allegiance. These unique signals are designed to foster a sense of solidarity, create intimidation among rivals, and communicate secret information without speaking aloud. Sep 17, 2023 · Short answer ms-13 gang signs pictures: MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, is a violent street gang originated in Los Angeles. Oct 10, 2022 · Striped tattoos symbolize their dedication to the commander throughout their bodies. President Donald Trump said that Garcia has "MS-13 Sep 8, 2023 · Short answer gang hand signs ms 13: Gang hand signs used by the notorious MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) are a visual form of communication that members use to display affiliation and intimidate rivals. Sep 17, 2023 · Short answer: MS-13 gang sign meanings MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, uses various hand signs to communicate messages and identify members. These hand signs often involve intricate finger movements and specific placements to convey messages or demonstrate affiliation with the gang. Aug 9, 2023 · Short answer: MS 13 gang signs and meanings MS-13 gang signs are visual displays used by members of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha gang to communicate messages, establish identity, and convey power. Experts are divided over whether knuckle tattoos highlighted by President Trump suggest the wrongly deported man may be associated with MS-13. These gestures often represent loyalty, affiliation with the gang’s ideologies or criminal activities such as drug dealing and violence. MS-13 gang members mark their upper body in Gothic. Another form of course is gang colors, MS-13 represents by wearing a blue and white bandanna (Salvadorian flag colors) and hand symbols in the form of an “M” and a “S”. Apr 30, 2025 · The Trump administration admitted to accidentally deporting Abrego Garcia, but has said it won’t bring him back, because he’s a member of MS-13, despite scant evidence to prove the gang Sep 23, 2021 · In other words, you've got a real devil on your hands. ‘Mara’ is a Spanish slang for ‘gang’ and “Salvatrucha” is a blend of Salvadoran and trucha. However, when discussing gangs, a working defi nition must be developed. The photograph appears to have been altered. In this clip, Gerardo Lopez talked about the origin and significance of the name MS-13. MARA SALVATRUCHA 13 (MS-13) “Mara Salvatrucha” (MS) can have the following possible meanings: “Long live El Salvador”, “Watch out Maravilla, El Salvador is here”, or “Watch out, the El Salvador gang is here”. " Apr 19, 2025 · The White House has posted what it considers proof of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's MS-13 gang membership by sharing images of tattoos on his hand. President Donald Trump held up a photo supposedly showing that Kilmar Abrego Garcia's hand tattoos meant he was a member of the MS-13 gang. Apr 19, 2017 · Born in the barrios of Los Angeles, MS-13 has risen to become one of the world's most feared gangs. See full list on gangsigns. However, due to its criminal nature and potential implications regarding safety Other Signs The members in Southern California like to call each other Sureño, Sureño 13, Sur or Sur 13. Experts also are doubtful the Apr 14, 2025 · The clearest are the letters and numbers from the gang names: MS with 13 in regular or Roman numerals, or 18 for their rivals in the 18 th Street gang. This nonverbal form of communication has been quickly accepted and adopted by gangs across the nation. Gang members and associates commonly use hand signs to validate their affiliation, with one of the most recognizable gestures involving the extension of both index fingers in front of or beside the face. Just like most other well-known gangs, Mara Salvatrucha has a gang symbol they do with their hands for communication and identification. Graffiti, hand signs, colors, and tattoos are indicators of gang affiliation. MS-13 utilizes hand signs incorporating devil horns or making an M-shape with both hands. But what does it all really mean? Here’s the breakdown: "MS" stands for Mara Salvatrucha, the gang’s name. Apr 30, 2025 · Graham then asked whether MS-13 members have "membership cards" or anything similar for the public to identify them, given disputes about what Abrego Garcia’s knuckle tattoos really mean. Anyway, we’re here to do some tat talk. ddzdr ro9hiv 5kli7 2zc fwru pus6tl 30x tam3pwlu iuybaz taag