Through interviews in the tough Saint-Louis barrios in San Salvador—home to 500 families—Mourani encountered gang members who wanted out. At some point, some realize that the gang has cut them off from their family and friends or they don’t want their children to grow up in a gang, she was told. They wish to leave but in many cases, it’s impossible. Members have an unshakable loyalty and sense of belonging to the gang—for many, the only family they know.
In these barrios, gang mentality is invasive. Mourani saw a lot of children, some as young as three or four years old with gang tattoos or harboring the colors of the gang. They absorb the culture of violence, witnessing drugs, prostitution and arms deals. Recruitment starts in the cradle, says the Montreal Member of Parliament. Kids are born into the Mara and rarely escape that reality. If the two parents are members of the MS13, a child can automatically become a member without going through tough initiation rites. If one of the parents is not a member, the child will have to prove himself by going through the rites.

See the full article from “Americas Quarterly”