Gov. Abbott Announces Anti-Gang Initiative

HOUSTON, TX -- Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a crime fighting initiative designed to crackdown on the rise of gang violence in Houston and Harris County.

During a press conference on Monday, Abbott expressed concern about the double-digit growth in the violent crime rate in Houston and in Harris County and laid out his plan to take action in collaboration with the FBI and other local law enforcement agencies. (Sign up for Patch’s daily newsletter for your neighborhood.)

“This recent wave of senseless violence cannot continue,” said Governor Abbott. “Government’s foremost responsibility is to keep our citizens safe and secure. Texas will take action and use all lawful means to put an end to this lawlessness.”

Houston area gangs tag their areas to warn away others. These symbols represent the Folks Nation. (Image: Harris County Sheriff's Office)

In recent years, the Houston area has seen an increase in gang-related criminal activity, specifically with violent crimes tied to the MS-13 gang.

The latest involved the satanic ritual killing of a 15-year old Jersey Village teenager, who according to court documents was killed after speaking out against the gang’s satanic worship practices.

In February, Miguel Angel Alvarez-Flores, 22, and Diego Alexander Hernandez-Rivera, 18, admitted members of MS-13, were arrested and charged with two counts of kidnapping and one count of murder in the shooting death of Genesis Cornejo.

In January, the Texas Department of Public Safety released an overview of gang activity in Texas that includes threats from terrorism, Mexican Cartels, Human Trafficking and gang activity.

According to the report, MS-13 is gaining influence and membership, and poses the greatest criminal threat because of their relationship with Mexican Cartels.

However, MS-13 is far from the only gang in town.

In fact, there are more than 350 gangs in Houston and Harris County, with roughly 19,000 members, according to a KPRC report.

Abbott said he plans to provide $500,000 from the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division to increase anti-gang resources in Houston; establish a tactical operations center to coordinate anti-gang efforts around the clock; deploy additional resources from the Texas Rangers, and add technology to help with the collection of intelligence.

Read Also: Houston, We Have A Problem: Houston Metro Area Among Top Regions In Gang Activity

Image: G0vernor's Office

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