U.S. Military Training American Gangs
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Press Releases :: April 9, 2008
T.Q. Houlton 202-225-7882
Tancredo Concerned Military Officials Are Unaware of Gang Infiltration
in U.S. Army
( WASHINGTON, D.C. ) - Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Littleton) today asked
General David Petraeus about the infiltration of American gangs into
the United States military during a hearing on U.S. progress in Iraq .
"The fact that many gang members are being trained in our military is
a growing cause for concern," said Tancredo. "Our local law
enforcement officers and gang units are now facing criminals who have
obtained advanced weapons training courtesy of the U.S. taxpayer"
News reports indicate that the growing level of gang activity, driven
largely by the growing problem of illegal immigration, has begun
spilling over into the military. Gang graffiti has begun to show up on
military bases and even in places as far flung as Baghdad. A number of
gang members who spent time in the military have returned to their
communities only to commit violent crimes made easier by their
extensive training.
Tancredo asked Petraeus if he was familiar with any gang activity,
specifically MS-13, in Iraq and how widespread the problem is.
General Petraeus said he did not know of gang activity in Iraq but
would look into the matter.
Stars and Stripes, a military publication, has documented the foothold
gangs have gained in the U.S. Armed Forces as a tool to spread their
organizations.
"I find it very disconcerting that there are high-level military
officials that are unaware of this growing problem,"” said Tancredo.
"This is a serious issue that deserves serious attention from the
Pentagon brass."
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