Vatos Locos

Vatos Locos graffiti in the Netherlands

Vatos Locos (in English, Crazy Dudes) is a Mexican street gang. Gangs using this name are active in several American states. The Vatos Locos originated in East LA but have extended their presence to Florida,Fort Pierce, Florida. They are mainly active in Fort Pierce's South 18th Street area by Delaware and around South 33rd Street and Orange Avenue. They represent their gang affiliation with black bandanas worn in the back right pocket of their pants. Their graffiti consists of "Vatos Locos," the 'Lowrdier' logo, or Lil Rob. These images are also present in gang tattoos. Vatos Locos are mainly Hispanics or Chicanos. Their dress consists of black shirts and khaki pants or shorts, and jewelry of chains or crosses. Most are supporters of the Oakland Raiders football team and show this by wearing similar colors.

Their biggest rival are South Side Locos (or Sur 13) and they are often called by them as "sus ratas" (their rats). Among their biggest rivals are Trinitario, MS-13, Aryan Brotherhood, Los Zetas, and Sinaloa Cartel. Their allies are Latin Kings, Bloods, Norteños, Ñetas, and Vice Lords.

So far, Vatos Locos has established itself in the Netherlands and multiple US states (California, Colorado, Georgia, Texas, Arizona and Indiana etc.). They have shown a new presence in Ontario, Canada[1][2] Bern, Switzerland and South Africa. We also have Vatos Locos in Gommiswald SG, Switzerland including Albanian Gang-Members[3]

The film Blood In Blood Out (1993) about the life of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca in 1972, was based on the experiences of gang members of Vatos Locos.[4]

The video game Call of Juarez: The Cartel features a fictional Vatos Locos gang.

References

  1. "Yonkers cops hurt while arresting stab suspect". The Journal News. 16 November 2010. Retrieved 2010-12-01. Vivanco violently resisted arrest and was eventually handcuffed with the assistance of other officers, police said. He is a suspected member of the Vatos Locos gang.
  2. "U.S. V. Hernandez-Mendez". Leagle.com. 29 November 2010. Retrieved 2010-12-01. Officer Webster knew that the stabbing victim was a member of the Vatos Locos, a Latino gang. Additionally, witnesses told police that members of other Latino gangs, including the Little Vatos Locos ("LVL") and the Latin Locos, had been present at the altercation.
  3. http://allafrica.com/stories/201212070969.html
  4. Blood in, Blood out at the Internet Movie Database

External links

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