Threats of gangs are nothing new and unfortunately, as technology improves, so do the operations of gangs around the world.

California has A LOT of gangs

California is a huge state but also one of the most heavily populated - this goes for gang activity too.

According to a site called Tarrant Cares, "street gang membership (in California) has reached approximately 300,000, with about 6,100 different gangs."

If we tried to break down all 6,100 gangs we would probably have an encyclopedia.  Today, we're looking at the seven most dangerous gangs battling for control of California.

Some of these gangs originated in prison while others originated on the streets of LA. One of California's most notorious gangs is even dealing drugs internationally in addition to human trafficking.

According to World Population Review, "American gangs are responsible for about 48% of violent crimes in most jurisdictions."

Even scarier, a lot of these gangs that are forming in California are finding their way into Idaho. We're not saying that gangs are shifting their entire operation to Idaho from California either but it's not uncommon for a member of a gang to branch off and form a "set" in somewhere else.

You may even be familiar with some of the gangs we're discussing today and might have even seen their gang activity plague the Treasure Valley.

Let's start with the first of the seven gangs on this list, the infamous MS-13 or the Mara Salvatrucha. The gang has drawn the attention of the federal government for its heinous activities which include pretty much every horrible crime you can imagine... even human trafficking.

Everything You Need To Know About MS-13

The MS-13 gang is one of the most dangerous gangs in the world... here is what you need to know.

Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas

Next up is a gang known as one of the most dangerous in all of California... the 18th Street Gang.

Everything You Need To Know About The 18th Street Gang

Here is everything you need to know about the 18th Street Gang.

Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas

If you're familiar with the gangs of California, there's a good chance you've heard of the Crips.

Everything You Need To Know About The Crips

Here is everything you need to know about the Crips.

Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas

You can't talk about the Crips without talking about their longtime rival that was born out of said rivalry... the Bloods.

Everything You Need To Know About The Bloods

Here's what you need to know about the Bloods, one of the most dangerous gangs in the world.

Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas

The next gang is one that we've seen here in Idaho... the Norteños gang.

Everything You Need To Know About The Norteños Gang

Let's look at the Norteños gang which operates in Idaho and California.

Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas

And then there's their rivals... the Sureños gang.

Everything You Need To Know About The Sureños Gang

Now, let's look at the Sureños gang which also operates in Idaho and California.

Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas

There's still one more gang to go... the Aryans.

Everything You Need To Know About The Aryan Knights in Idaho

Here is everything you need to know about the Idaho prison gang the Aryan Knights...

Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas

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