Seattle Post Intelligencer
The increasing mobility and violence of gang members who often sneak into the United States has raised concerns that the groups could be exploited by terrorists, feeding claims by local governments that al-Qaida might tap into the region's growing problem.
But U.S. and Central American officials who have investigated the allegations say there is no evidence linking gangs like the Mara Salvatrucha to terrorist activity. Analysts and even gang members themselves say the idea is far-fetched.
Mike Figueroa stood before a room full of U.S. and Central American law enforcement officials and admitted to being a gang member, a criminal, a drug addict, a dealer. But no matter what officials might think, he said, he and others like him will never be terrorists.
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