Sureno Gang Sign Decoded: The Secret Behind Its Viral Power - Away State Journal
Sureño gangs in northern California are referred to as "Upstate Sureños." Some upstate Sureño gangs were established by relocated gang members from Southern California.
Just what is a Sureño? A Sureño is a Latino gang member who belongs to a street gang that identifies with, and is subservient to, the Mexican Mafia. He may be from northern or southern California, or from your city, or from Central America.
OAKLAND – A federal grand jury has indicted nine men on charges of racketeering conspiracy in connection with two murders, three attempted murders, narcotics and firearms distribution, and other related crimes allegedly perpetrated on behalf of two Oakland-based Sureño street gangs.
The Sureños are the umbrella organization for Hispanic street and prison gangs united under the Mexican Mafia. The purpose of the alliance of gangs is primarily to make more money for the drug lords, who are mostly prisoners in state penitentiaries.
Sureños use the number “13” which represents the thirteenth letter of the alphabet, the letter “M”, in order to pay allegiance to the Mexican Mafia. Many Sureño gangs have rivalries with one another and the only time this rivalry is set aside is when they enter the prison system.
Both the Norteños and Sureños operate under the direction of "shot callers," inmates who receive updates from three gang leaders controlling tier and yard security and education. There is only one shot caller for each jail.
