The Norteños are a Latino gang affiliated with the Nuestra Familia prison gang. Their presence is mainly concentrated in Northern California, but they also have members across various states in the US. The exact number of Norteños is difficult to determine due to their decentralized structure and the clandestine nature of gang activities. However, estimates suggest that the Norteños have tens of thousands of members nationwide.
Estimated Norteño Membership
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and state police departments, estimate that the Norteños have around 50,000 to 75,000 members across the United States. This number fluctuates due to recruitment, incarceration, and law enforcement crackdowns.
The gang primarily recruits from Latino communities, particularly young men, but its membership also includes individuals of various backgrounds. Norteños are known to be active in cities such as San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, and other parts of Northern California. However, they have also expanded into states like Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and beyond.
Norteños Structure and Influence
The Norteños are affiliated with the Nuestra Familia prison gang, which exerts control over them from within the prison system. Their main rivals are the Sureños, who align with the Mexican Mafia. Norteños identify with the color red and often use the number 14 as a symbol, representing the 14th letter of the alphabet, “N,” which stands for Norte.
Their activities include drug trafficking, robbery, extortion, and violent crimes, often leading to conflicts with rival gangs. Law enforcement agencies continuously monitor Norteño activities and implement strategies to disrupt their operations.
Law Enforcement Efforts
Authorities have made significant efforts to curb gang activities through arrests, gang injunctions, and community intervention programs. Many former gang members have also turned to rehabilitation programs to leave behind gang life and reintegrate into society.
While it is difficult to determine the exact number of Norteño members in the US, estimates suggest tens of thousands are involved in the gang. Their presence remains a concern for law enforcement, but ongoing efforts aim to reduce gang-related crime and provide opportunities for those looking to leave gang life behind.