What we know about gangs in Elgin

After over six months of research a committee on gang intervention reported to the city council.

This report, delivered on June 11, 2008 revealed the following statistics:

There are 1,088 documented gang members, or about 1% of the population.

• 72% are active
• 10% are in jail
• 7% are inactive
• 10% have been deported

Of the 1,088

• 54% are Hispanic
• 34% are African American
• 8% are White
• 4% are Asian

• 98% are male
• 2% are female

• 4% are under 17
• 16% are 18-21
• 40% are 22-28
• 38% are 29-39
• 3% are over 40

Gangs found in Elgin are

• Insane Deuces
• Latin Kings
• La Raza
• 13s
• 14s
• Maniac Latin Disciples
• Spanish Cobras
• Spanish Gangster Disciples
• Lao Posse
• Gangster Disciples
• Four Corner Hustlers
• Vice Lords

The report went on to propose after school programs and efforts to strengthen the role of parents.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement was not listed as a participant in the discussions and no recommendations about illegal aliens were put forth in the report.

News coverage about gang crimes omit any information about immigration status and known gang members are not deported even when they are in custody in Elgin city jail.

There is a documented disconnect between immigration screening and enforcement.