Maryland: Gang Haven

According to Montgomery County, Maryland's Chief of Police J. Thomas Manger, his
jurisdiction is experiencing an increase in gang violence, particularly from
Hispanic gangs like MS-13 and the Latin Kings. A great majority of these gang
members are illegal aliens, as detailed in our recent Center for Immigration
Studies report, "Taking Back the Streets."

The fact that Maryland is experiencing an increase in gang violence does not
come as a surprise. Neighboring Virginia has been cracking down on illegal alien
gangs – and illegal immigration, generally – for a number of years. New
anti-gang legislation, increased police cooperation with federal immigration
authorities, and tightening of drivers license policies, for example, have made
Virginia less welcoming for those violating the law.

Because Maryland is one of the most pro-illegal immigration states in the
country, Virginia's immigrant gangs have naturally begun relocating there.
Maryland's sanctuary cities, taxpayer-subsidized day labor centers, support for
non-citizen voting, and lax drivers license laws are a magnet for illegal
immigration and immigrant gangs.

Chief Manger reports that incidences of murder, rape, assault, burglary, and
robbery increased in Maryland in 2008, much of it attributable to gangs. In
fact, the FBI recently reported that gangs are responsible for up to 80 percent
of crime in the United States. Aaron Escorza, chief of the FBI's MS-13 National
Gang Task Force, says that gangs "evolve and adapt" to changes in policy and
that gangs "know what law enforcement is doing. Word of mouth spreads quickly."
It seems immigrant gangs are spreading the word that Maryland is a safe haven.

Many are pessimistic that Maryland will change its policies any time soon. But
the state's sanctuary status is simply not sustainable. Maryland legislators
have a choice – be part of the solution by following Virginia's lead, or expect
increased illegal immigration and gang activity.