Gangs in Texas increase ties with Mexican cartels

A report by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) of Texas warned that the local gangs are increasing their ties with Mexican cartels in order to minimize the struggles between them and enhance their criminal influence.

The report entitled "Texas Gang Threat Assessment 2015," released on Monday indicated that the Mexican cartels have benefited with the "efficient work" of gangs.

Both sides have established new partnerships for the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and particularly of human beings across the border into Texas, according to the report.

The document also ranks the "Tango Blast" gang as the predominant criminal force in the state, with 15,000 members.

"Tango Blast" has grown based on an offer of protection in the state prisons, playing an important role within and outside them and presenting a flexible organizational structure.

The structure has allowed it to form new cliques more easily, as well allowing members of other gangs to join, explained the report.

The document mentioned that other important gangs in Texas include the "Texas Syndicate," "Texas Mexican mafia," "Mara Salvatrucha" (known as the MS-13) and the "Latin Kings".

The document indicates that some 100,000 people in the state could be members of either one of these gangs.