SAN ANTONIO - A recent DPS assessment found some of the most violent gangs continue to hold their ground.
“The Tango Blast is still prevalent here in San Antonio. The Tango Cliques, known as the ‘Orejons,’ and the Texas Mexican Mafia are prevalent in this area,” said Lt. Jason Reyes of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
DPS estimates there are more than 100,000 gang members in the Lone Star State. One of the largest and most violent gangs, Tango Blast, has more than 19,000 Texas members.
“We anticipate that the number is only going to increase because of the direct and non-direct working relationship with those Mexican Cartels,” said Reyes.
Along with well-organized Mexican cartels, gangs are fueled by Americans' insatiable appetite for illegal drugs.
“Gangs today are in the business of selling illegal drugs, selling illegal weapons, human smuggling -the compelling of prostitution as well. They see this as an easy way to make money,” he said.
Authorities say easy access to highways like I-35 is one of the main reasons why gang members call places like San Antonio home.
“We are in close proximity to Mexico and we have big thoroughfares that go through our area - Interstate 10, Interstate 35 that go through our area. We are right in line with those folks,” said Reyes.
Gangs are even turning to modern ways to keep up with business.
“Gangs are changing. They change with the times. They're using social media quite a bit. They're using them to recruit. They use social media to boast and they even antagonize other gang members,” said Reyes.