The arrival of “Maras” into Cataluña

Abstract

The “Maras” arrival was one of the main threats linked to the presence of the first youth gangs of American origin in Spain during the mid 2000’s. The levels of violence, as well as the criminal activity they were involved in throughout Northern and Central America, as well as their well publicized intent to expand throughout Europe seemed to be finally confirmed. The shocking nature of some of their members, as well as the levels of extreme violence which have been displayed by Maras, have managed to lock the attention of the media outlets who have in turn bestowed upon them a special attention, that in the ajority of cases has been translated into alarmist and sensationalist messages. Nonetheless, over the course of time this risk does not seem to have truly reached its estimated potential. Both Mara Salvatrucha as well as Barrio 18 did indeed arrive, but far from taking over the territory, sowing violence and replicating their criminal conduct on Europe’s side of the Atlantic, the authorities have been
able to curb their activities and they’ve yet to become the critical social or criminal crisis that was originally expected.

Revista Policía y Seguridad Pública 5(1) 2015: 75-102