Chris Blatchford documents the rise of an organization known as La Eme, originally formed by Mexican American inmates to ensure mutual defense and assert dominance in California's prison system. In 1957, a group of young inmates at the Deuel Vocational Institution in Tracy, which was notorious for housing the state's most challenging juvenile delinquents, united to form an organization that would be called "Eme." Under the leadership of Luis "Huero Buff" Flores and Rodolfo "Cheyenne" Cadena, the group's objectives were to control the prison's illegal operations, especially the heroin market, protect themselves from the abuse of prison guards, and uphold unity against other ethnically-based prisoner groups. Blatchford underscores that the originators, who hailed from rival street factions, acknowledged the necessity of forming a cohesive alliance within the prison walls to secure their continued existence and success. He notes that DVI is often seen as a place where newcomers to gang life escalate their criminal activities and hone their survival skills in the midst of conflict.
The founding members were selected from infamous gangs in East Los Angeles, distinguished by their inclination towards aggression, such as Hoyo Soto Maravilla, Varrio Nuevo Estrada, and White Fence, due to their reputation for audacity and ruthlessness. Blatchford paints a vivid picture of their early operations, focusing on how they violently established their authority, using beatings, stabbings, and even murder for the "fun" of it, according to Huero Buff himself. He describes the rapid expansion of the organization, its ability to sway other prisoners, and its control over the prison's contraband activities. Upon his move from DVI to San Quentin, Blatchford highlights the incident in which Cheyenne Cadena was aggressively approached by a much larger black prisoner. Cadena cemented his intimidating status by causing lethal harm to the individual who attempted to subdue him.
Context
- The gang often emphasizes a strong sense of cultural identity and loyalty among its members, which can include specific tattoos, symbols, and codes of conduct that reinforce their unity and purpose.
- In many prison environments, guards can be a source of abuse or corruption. Inmates may face physical violence, extortion, or other forms of mistreatment. By organizing, groups like La Eme aim to protect their members from such abuses, either through intimidation or by negotiating with corrupt guards.
- Strong leadership is crucial in forming and maintaining such alliances, as leaders negotiate terms, mediate conflicts, and strategize for the group's benefit.
- DVI, located in Tracy, California, was established in 1953 as a facility intended to rehabilitate young male offenders. It became known for its harsh environment and was often criticized for failing to provide effective rehabilitation, instead becoming a breeding ground for criminal behavior.
- East Los Angeles has a long history of gang activity, often rooted in socio-economic challenges, including poverty and limited access to education and employment opportunities. This environment has historically fostered the formation of tightly-knit street gangs.
- The formation of ethnically-based groups was common in prisons, as inmates sought protection and solidarity among those with shared backgrounds and experiences.
- Violence is frequently used by prison gangs to enforce rules, intimidate rivals, and establish dominance. This creates a culture of fear that can deter challenges to their authority.
- Known for being one of California's oldest and most notorious prisons, San Quentin has a history of housing some of the most dangerous criminals. It is a maximum-security facility, which often leads to a volatile environment where power dynamics are constantly in flux.
Blatchford describes how the criminal activities of the Italian Mafia shaped Luis "Huero Buff" Flores, leading him to establish the prison gang known as "La Eme." Blatchford highlights that although the founding members initially hesitated, showing a preference for a name that would represent their Hispanic roots, they eventually agreed with Cadena's suggestion to adopt "Eme" as an alternative designation for the group known as the Mexican Mafia. Members associated with gangs often employ the shorthand "EME" to discreetly signify their allegiance to the Mexican Mafia, and it is frequently observed as a tattoo on their bodies.
The author describes the emergence of the Mexican Mafia's activities, which are rooted in a strict commitment to the "blood in, blood out" oath. Upon entering into this agreement, it was understood that death was the sole exit, guaranteeing enduring allegiance or a grim destiny for individuals who decided to forsake their oath. The oath significantly shaped both the life of Rene "Boxer" Enriquez and the core values of the gang.
Context
- The Italian Mafia, also known as La Cosa Nostra, is a criminal syndicate with roots in Italy, particularly Sicily, and has been involved in organized crime in the United States since the late 19th century.
- Luis "Huero Buff" Flores was a key figure in the early development of the Mexican Mafia, helping to establish its foundational rules and organizational structure.
- The name "Eme" is derived from the Spanish pronunciation of the letter "M," representing "Mexican" and symbolizing the gang's...
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Blatchford details how La Eme aimed to strengthen its dominance, recognizing that uncontrolled gang rivalries were attracting undesirable attention to the community of Mexican-American descent and were causing disturbances in the drug trade. In the early 1990s, key figures of La Eme, including Peter "Sana" Ojeda of Orange County, as well as Rene "Boxer" Enriquez and Ernest "Chuco" Castro from Los Angeles, initiated widespread meetings in communal areas and open venues, bringing together delegates from various rival gangs to spread fresh mandates from the syndicate. Blatchford portrays these assemblies as a powerful display of Eme's control and sway, conjuring up visions of a large assembly of individuals marked with tattoos and lacking hair.
The primary objective of these gatherings was to communicate a clear directive: indiscriminate gunfire from moving vehicles, which had wreaked havoc in neighborhoods and resulted in a significant toll of...
The author reveals that despite La Eme's reputation for unity and its capacity to instill trepidation, the organization is perpetually plagued by internal strife and betrayal, with loyalties among its members often shifting as they vie for power, sway, and financial gain. Blatchford highlights the inherent contradiction present among members of the Mexican Mafia. In principle, the society is envisioned as one where every member stands on equal footing, yet in practice, it is riddled with cliques, envy, and battles for dominance.
The book authored by Blatchford contains numerous examples that demonstrate this brutal trend. A significant conflict emerged between the seasoned Eme members Bevito Alvarez and Kilroy Roybal, and the rising junior members, including Rene "Boxer" Enriquez. The battle for control stemmed from the elder members' ambition to wrest control from the rising group, which they believed had not been adequately vetted and lacked...
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Blatchford narrates the chaotic journey of Rene "Boxer" Enriquez, outlining his challenging upbringing and the series of events that led to his membership in the Mexican Mafia. Rene was raised in an environment of considerable comfort due to his parents' significant accomplishments, but his childhood was marked by family strife caused by the regular confrontations between his hardworking father, John Enriquez, and his more permissive mother, Lupe. John also engaged in multiple extramarital relationships. Seeking belonging and a way out of his circumstances, Rene began to associate with members of Artesia 13, the very gang that his brother was a part of, captivated by their charisma and energy.
The story recounts Rene's initiation into the gang at just twelve years old, his complete adoption of their way of life, and how he earned the moniker "Boxer" from his brother Marc. Blatchford emphasizes the continuous strife, violent encounters, and the allure that the gangster lifestyle held as he...