Transnational Gangs?

Abstract This chapter explores the role of migration in the emergence of transnational gangs. It highlights the prominence of human mobility across borders in the global expansion of certain groups. Migration contributes to the spread of group identities and street cultures. The transnational character of some gangs means that their identities and symbols were created elsewhere, but they are re-signified locally. This chapter focuses on how migration operates in circular and symbolic ways in shaping some street gangs. Hence, gang identities are recycled in communities where migration is experienced not only as events of arrival but also as dislodgement. The chapter first reviews the reports about the historical role of immigration in the emergence of gangs, especially in the United States. Then it discusses the use of the term “transnational gang” in the literature while proposing a definition. Third, the chapter addresses the different theories seeking to explain the rise and development of transnational gangs. Finally, this work discusses the relationship between migration, globalization, and territoriality. The chapter pays special attention to Central American gangs, considered the prototypical transnational groups.