Cracking Down on Gangs Is Essential for National Security
Gangs were once considered an inner-city problem, but sadly that is no longer the case. Over time, gangs have evolved into national and international networks, with more than 800,000 gang members and 30,000 gangs now operating in 2,500 communities across the U.S. They are now in the business of smuggling drugs, weapons and illegal immigrants across our border, making them not only a threat to our communities but also to our national security. Now more than ever, we must take action to solve this serious gang problem.
The federal government is doing its part to help states and localities crack down on gangs and gang violence. The FBI is actively working to establish a National Gang Intelligence Center to act as a clearinghouse for gang reporting and investigations. On May 11, 2005 the House of Representatives passed “Gangbusters” legislation to allow authorities to tackle gangs in much the same way they targeted organized crime in the 1970's and 80's. The bill received the support of every major law enforcement organization in the country because they know that coordinating with the federal government on a nationwide strategy against gang violence will make a dramatic difference in their communities.
The Gangbusters bill also addresses the growing ties between gangs and the problem of illegal immigration, since many gang members are in this country illegally. An increased emphasis on gangs and their relationship to the smuggling of illegals will take us even further in our efforts to secure our borders. The bill does this by imposing an additional five year sentence on a gang member committing a violent crime if he or she is here illegally, and requiring the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to submit a detailed report to Congress on the link between illegal immigration and gang membership.
While it is critical that law enforcement officials use tough measures to get rid of gangs that already exist, parents, civic leaders and community organizations must also work together to keep kids off the streets and help them avoid gang life. First Lady Laura Bush is getting communities involved by traveling the country promoting outreach to at-risk youth, and highlighting the successes of local Boys and Girls Clubs and faith-based organizations in reducing youth delinquency. By working together to both prevent and prosecute gang violence, we will make our neighborhoods and our entire nation more secure.
