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Police target gangs in weeklong saturation

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California | 1:14 a.m. March 3, 2009

And it dosen't help when a player on the University of Utah football team flashes a gang sign during the Alabama BCS game. Very disrepectful to the University, the taxpayers, his family, and himself. Childish actions by a supposed adult.

Back to America | 4:36 a.m. March 3, 2009

Wasted lives will continue to accumulate because we don't enforce immigration laws and we have become so "multicultural" that assimilation is no longer expected.
Our greatest institutions are now run by globalist elites who no longer have any great affinity for the United States but rather consider themselves citizens of the world.
These elites run our companies, universities, schools, media outlets, churches, and (sadly) government.
Their view of our country is far different from the one most citizens hold.

Wake up | 5:19 a.m. March 3, 2009

Its obvious our kids are wanting something from us, which is attention their not getting it from home so they will look somewhere else for it. It will all go back to where we came from HOME. When the kids can be distroyed the family is corrupted. Come on parents lets do our duty, so these officers don't have to do it for us.

Comments continue below

Gang Members | 6:07 a.m. March 3, 2009

In my mind
It is a question just who is gang members?
Kids or the cops
Just being honest
Cops working the streets day and night
They are not representing the public

Terrorists | 6:55 a.m. March 3, 2009

Until the law abiding people of the United States and it's "governing leaders" call these punks what they really are, TERRORISTS, you will never be safe.

It's time to do away with these domestic terrorists.

Need learn speak english | 7:38 a.m. March 3, 2009

THE ILLEGALS COME TO OUR COUNTRY AND THEY FEEL SAFE AND DONT WANT TO LEARN OUR ENGLISH LANG. WE GIVE THEM ALL THE HELP THEY NEED AND STILL DONT WANT TO BE AMERICANS AND LEARN TO SPEAK ENGISH, PROBLEMS ARRIVES WITH GANGS AND MANY OTHER THINGS .. WE NEED TO CHANGE THAT AND BE MORE FAIR AND REASONABLE FOR THEM TO TAKE ENGISH LANG. BY LAW...ANY ILLEGALS THAT COME TO OUR COUNTRY AND WANT TO STAY , THEY MUST LEARN ENGISH AND BECOME US CITIZENS,IF THEY WANT TO STAY HERE...IF WE GO TO THEIR COUNTRY , THEY ARENT GONNA HELP US... WE ARE FORCE TO LEARN THEIR LANG.WE MUST DO THE SAME FOR OUR COUNTRY AND PROTECT OUR FUTURE CHILDRENS AND GRANDCHILDRENS FUTURE..THE ILLEGALS ARE TAKING OVER OUR COUNTRY BECAUSE WE GIVE THEM TOO MUCH ...CHANGE THE SYSTEMS AND BE MORE STRICT WITH ILLEGLS..WHO KNOWS ONE OF THEM MAY BE TERRORIST!!!!!! SAVE US SAVE OUR COUNTRY..WE WERE HERE FIRST!!!!!!

perhaps they are reaching out | 7:39 a.m. March 3, 2009

Perhaps they are reaching out for more from their parents. But until the community has the guts to stand up to these punks and say enough is enough, the problem will continue. It is interesting this story focuses on the problem with immigrants. Are they true immigrants or criminal immigrants (others say illegal immigrants, but if illegal that does make them criminal.). If they are criminal immigrants we need as a nation to begin cracking down harder. If true immigrants we need to help the assimilate into our society better.

Wow, terrorists | 7:41 a.m. March 3, 2009

I never thought about it like that. But you are absolutely correct. They are terrorists. They don't care who gets in their way to promote their agenda. Very well said.

Anonymous | 7:41 a.m. March 3, 2009

To Gang Members:

What a brilliant comment.

How long did it take for you to think this garbage up?

Dan M. | 7:46 a.m. March 3, 2009

I didn't realize gang members could join the Marines. That explains a lot, though.

SCARY!!!

It doesn't come... | 7:49 a.m. March 3, 2009

right out and say it in the article, but it insinuates that many (if not most) of the gang members mentioned are hispanic. Maybe, just maybe, if the laws of this country were enforced, to send people back to their home country that are in this country illegally, much of this gang activity would go away.

It seems to be popular culture south of the border to belong to a gang. When those people come to this country, they bring that culture, and the crime, with them.

Just another reason to build a fence along our southern border.

you parents | 7:55 a.m. March 3, 2009

you have to blame parents kids need to be in some sort of activity .you do as a family and you will be a family. keep in sports or anything .if you know whats going on yhey can"t lie.

the light | 8:01 a.m. March 3, 2009

Tell me again how illegal immigration is not a problem? Whoever called the cops gang members, how do you come up with that stuff?

secret | 8:08 a.m. March 3, 2009

To Gang Members

You are just a bunch of little kids that can't stick up form them selves.

If someone wanted pissed you off, you wouldn't do anything if you were by your self, you would get the whole gang on this on person. you are pretty tough arn't ya :(

Whiggy | 8:21 a.m. March 3, 2009

The legislature should be praised for its efforts to enact anti-gang legislation. As a society, we must do everything possible to eradicate the gang problem before it gets any bigger. Parents must accept responsibility as well. It is inconceivable that the mother in this story had no idea her son was in a gang--despite the fact that his body was covered in easily recognizable gang tattoos.

stillinut84651 | 8:23 a.m. March 3, 2009

So we should send all the non-natives home? Unless you are a Native American (Indian), you do not get to stay. So all you children of immigrants (both legal and otherwise) need to leave now.

Serious now, learning English is a first step to feel less marginalized (and Utahize does not count) If it were true that learning English will solve everything then by that point of view, those white, tattooed, low rider jean wearing individuals who can scare the bejeses out of anyone who encounters them on a dark street, are a Boy Scout troop cleaning up (any victims wallets).

Anonymous | 8:24 a.m. March 3, 2009

We should not spend taxpayer money on gangs, let them kill each other off. If they step out of their gangs and kill innocent people, shoot them on the spot. This is ridiculous to spend a fortune in police protection, court costs, and jail facilities on gangs that just want to kill each other. Let them do it.

Rid Ourselves Of This | 8:28 a.m. March 3, 2009

Step up citizens, if you see any of this activity and don't want to get pesonnally involved, at least make a call to law enforcement. I know many, many people that would like to line these punks up without weapons and have a good old fight fest. Then we would see just how tough these supposedly big littles really are.

C.L.Nelson | 8:31 a.m. March 3, 2009

Several years ago I volunteered at the Food and Coalition Center in Utah. Most Hispanics threw food on the floor, peed on the floor of the restrooms, took huge garbage bags of clothing full to the brim. After I helped clean the kitchen on my way home I rounded a corner and saw where these illegals put up a cultural hall table and displayed ALL THE CLOTHING THEY HAD COLLECTED TO SELL indirectly as a 'yard" sale! What's next? They proclaim their "rights" to live here, work here, but intolerantly and defiantly will not learn our language, nor pledge allegiance to our American flag? I do love cultural differences, however this is intolerable for our country. We as Americans are too considerate, generous and have been tolerant of these gangs that wish to destroy our freedom. They have NO freedom in their own countries! Most don't have laws that govern them. Been there to see for myself.

Anonymous | 8:37 a.m. March 3, 2009

I think if it is really that bad.. let's just put a fence around every area that the gangs hang out. That way we don't need jail facilities..just clean up crews when the fight is done.

C.L. Nelson | 8:40 a.m. March 3, 2009

Our Americans have put up with too many radical gang related destruction. Our youth are being introduced to experiment with these brain dead non-virtues. Parents that spend time with their kids making every hour a blessing to both parties reap the rewards. It starts when children are babies. It's NOT just the Hispanics that are to blame. If we Americans don't stand up to our rights and freedoms taking the time to defend our liberties, country, families, we may lose the comforts of HOME! It's truly worth taking a stand and putting on the whole armor of God!

Line Them Up | 8:49 a.m. March 3, 2009

These punks don't work out physically, why does anyone think they are so tough. Bring them on, they just need to get the crap beat out of them a few times and this will stop. I personally would like to take a few on, to prove this. Just let them know that they are not wanted and run them right out of the country. Those that are legal citizens go to a TENT city. End of story.

Juan | 8:51 a.m. March 3, 2009

It's good to see that the Latino community is getting into the BYU Utah rivalry. All that being in a gang means is that you show to society that you are worthless. You can't stand up for yourself.

Ignorant | 9:04 a.m. March 3, 2009

The comments that Gangs are the result of illegal immigration are ignorant at best. Gangs come in all colors and ethnicities (White, African American, Asian, Latino, Native American, etc.). It just happens that the group interviewed in this segment were Latino.
Gangs originate for many reasons, but to really simplify things, poverty and family dysfunction are the primary factors. These two factors feed off each other - poverty exacerbates greater family dysfunction and the family dysfunction perpetuates poverty.
I applaud the efforts of police and the SALT program for preventing gang involvement. Programs that work to strengthen families are critical. Isn't it amazing that only half of the parents suspect their kids are in gangs? Parenting education and family support needs to be seriously enhanced. Efforts to promote greater levels of education and income among the parents and youth are critical to break these cycles.
Building more fences at the border and more prisions are not the best answer for the long term. Practically all men in prison are fathers (2 million in the US). We need to think more proactively and prevent gang involvement or the cycle will simply go on and on for many generations.

issues | 9:11 a.m. March 3, 2009

The gang issues in Salt Lake are sad. What is troubling is the attitude those outside of the city have, thinking that it is an inner-city problem. It stretches far beyond. Drive around the vicinity of Skyline High School, a neighborhood in a "nice" area of town and you'll find tagging. Not just the obvious traffic signs and concrete taggings by Parley's Canyon, but also through the neighborhoods right by the school. Glendale parents send their students to schools such as Skyline and Cottonwood in hopes that they escape the lifestyle, and who could blame them? But a lot of these students bring that mentality to the new school. When South High closed, I was a junior at Highland. We received some students from Glendale. I remember my friends and I being enamored by the gang lifestyle. I suspect it may still be the same way.

Frank | 9:12 a.m. March 3, 2009

It would seem to solve things to let them all fight it out to the death. Only problem is they are usually horrible shots. Just like in the incidents the article mentioned only one out of the five situations did the gang member hit his target.

Its the only reason they are still around.

To Need Learn Speak English | 9:18 a.m. March 3, 2009

Well, guess what? Spanish speaking people lived in the west before anglos came. New Mexico and California were both populated with Spanish first, and through land grabs their land was taken away from them.

There are many free programs here in the valley for Spanish speakers to learn English, and they are attending these classes.

By the way, from your post, we can all tell your English isn't so great.

Dave | 9:21 a.m. March 3, 2009

My youngest brother has become active in gangs, and it's really put a face on the issue for me. I don't think seeing him as a terrorist would solve anything. I realize he is the product of his choices, but I just wish he had more direction when he was growing up. I don't think discipline alone can accomplish much, without guidance and direction during the teen years. He has never known what options are out there, other than minimum wage jobs and partying with friends, and now I worry that he's so entrenched in bad habits that only the prison system or the army could give him the direction he needs.

The programs described in this article are doing great things. Give a 13-year old a little direction and it will cause everyone a lot less grief in the future, whether they be illegal or not. Sure, let's work on ironing out our immigration policies in the long run, but there are some easier things we can be doing right now--and I don't think that involves beating the crap out of them; it never did much for my brother.

Send em | 9:28 a.m. March 3, 2009

packing, look what is happening in phoenix, and here in utah there exists cells ..but what really bothers me is that we enable them...by hiring illegals..over americans.who are in rehab..from felonies..long..ago while the illegals are committing felonies by being here and get the jobs!!
ENOUGH!!!

To "Gang Members" | 9:28 a.m. March 3, 2009

So...What stupid gang do you claim? Only someone as insolent and stupid as a gang banger would make such a comment.

Lets not use faux distractors such as this to take the heat off of where it belongs.

RE: Ignorant | 9:30 a.m. March 3, 2009

I saw Westside story. It's been going on longer than you realize, or care to admit. Micheal Jackson even glorified it in "Beat it". Although technically you are correct, Latino's make up the largest ethnic group, and for good reason, many of these gangs have ties to those in Mexico that are currently waging war with their government.

It's a way of life in that country, and when they come here legally or illegally they bring the culture with them.

Really? | 9:30 a.m. March 3, 2009

Violence is not the answer. It starts with a community helping each other, regardless of race. Its not just Latinos. Gangs of white race are much more dangerous and covert then other racial gangs. Its not just illegal immigrants either. Become a mentor. Volunteer at a school. Start coaching a youth sports team. Do something pro-social.

Who's ignorant? | 9:43 a.m. March 3, 2009

Pretend that you have some desire to know the truth. Use Google.

Illegal immigrants are the source of SLC's rise in gangs and gag-crime in the last 10 years.

What is wrong with the deniers?

These gangs are a terror to society and the communities the exist in. They prey on everyone, native-born, immigrant - legal and illegal.

Get real!

re: ignorant | 9:44 a.m. March 3, 2009

I am sure gangs are not a direct result of illegal immigration. But, I do think the problem is much worse in large part due to the influence of illegal immigration. The fact the kids in the stories are illegal is not because the reporter sought out illegals, it is because there are so many gang members are illegal.

Wow!! | 9:48 a.m. March 3, 2009

The mother of this punk had no clue he was in a gang. Most likely because she has been cow towed by the gang itself. Or she just doesn't have a clue, which is the case with most parents of kids in a gang. I saw no reference to a father in this article.

Round them all up, take them to the bottom of the Bingham Canyon mine and let them have a big rumble there. That way they can kill each other and no one else gets hurt. The employees just vacate the mine and the cops guard all the entrances.

Hispanics | 9:59 a.m. March 3, 2009

C.LNelson and Haters: I am ashamed to see traces of my church in your postings. Put on the armor of God? You are a DISGRACE to the church, your intolerance is no different that what our pioneers endured when persecuted. Let me be clear, I am equating your hatred and intolerance and NOT the group that it's directed toward. To put all Hispanics, label them and HATE them as you do is the complete opposite of what our church teaches. Forgiveness, love, virtues of the beautiful message we should LIVE, not just on SUNDAYS.
I DO NOT condone these gang activities. Please don't just hate a people, call them all Illegals and issue an outright extermination or deportation order, remember Boggs?
I am a Hispanic; that came to this country. I am an American now, I love this country, I speak its language, yet I feel hated by people like you, people I might see on Sunday. WE ARE NOT ALL THE SAME. May I remind you: Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Now then talk about the armor of God.

Anonymous | 10:24 a.m. March 3, 2009

"Wasted lives will continue to accumulate because we don't enforce immigration laws and we have become so "multicultural" that assimilation is no longer expected"

I totally agree to the above comment.

But I can tell some readers and posters have never lived in L.A. Calif. If you had, you would be viewing this with your eyes wide open. If you lived long enough.
Salt Lake is just now experiencing the beginning of becoming the new Los Angeles.

Dumb and Dumber | 10:26 a.m. March 3, 2009

These guys are dumber than a box of rocks. And why do they all speak spanish? Kind of weird, you would think most of them are from mexico or something.

Anonymous | 10:42 a.m. March 3, 2009

Of all the different factors that contribute to gang activity, poverty is the greatest particularly in the case of Hispanics. When immigrants leave their native county, it is nearly always for economic reasons not sociological ones (the same can be said for why illegal immigration is permitted). In fact many immigrants are well respected in the communities they come from, and often times hold jobs or positions of importance. Their education is better suited for life in the native county and of course speaking the primary language is huge advantage for them. In economic terms, there is a cost/benefit that occurs when immigrants come to this county. The benefit greater financial security, but with a huge glass ceiling. The cost both parents usually have to work minimum wage jobs, learning English is almost impossible for adults and elderly, children go unsupervised, and parents are unequipped to help with school matters (see high drop-out rates for Hispanics). So who do immigrant kids hang out with? Usually those that they feel most comfortable with - other Hispanics that have little or no structure. Thus the cost of immigrating, particularly for undocumented immigrants, to the US almost always outweighs the potential benefits.

Belonging | 10:43 a.m. March 3, 2009

Everybody - and particularly young folks - long to belong. Whether it be a family, an athletic team, cub scouts or boy scouts, chess club, etc. A strong family is a natural place for kids, but it's not there for all kids. If they don't "fit in," or are rejected from other social organizations, they will form alliances with other rejects, and the results are obvious and painful.

It's easy to turn our backs on them, and if it weren't for "collateral damage" - the harm they bring on society - that wouldn't be such a bad option. But we should all give props to ANYBODY who's striving to provide a wholesome alternative for these at-risk kids, before it's too late.

(And gangstas DO come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Anybody who thinks otherwise needs to pay more attention.)

Anonymous | 10:59 a.m. March 3, 2009

california,

what university of utah player are you talking about. I watched the whole game and didn't notice anything.

Parents | 10:59 a.m. March 3, 2009

The mother knew nothing about it? And then said that he wasn't doing that any more.
Come on, I've seen so many latinos (or whatever) claim ignorance about nearly everything (especially the law) just because they don't speak english. This is nothing more than a sheild to hide behind. She knew; and his little smirk was a "you can't do anything about it" attitude.

Anonymous | 11:05 a.m. March 3, 2009

Need learn speak english | 7:38 a.m English is a proper noun. Proper nouns are capitalized in English. You wrote using run on sentences. Many of us could learn more about English.

I also believe many American should study languages like Spanish. This would give you an application of how difficult learning a new language can be for people.

If you don't speak English saying "turn right here." is a conundrum.

re: Hispanics | 11:20 a.m. March 3, 2009

How is illegal behavoir, ie. entering the USA without legal permission, and/or overstaying the timeframe of a legal entry document, well LEGAL?

The law is intolerant of those who break it, those who act illegally. That is why a law is passed - to no longer tolerate behavoir that is deemed a danger to the community of law-abiding.

To enforce laws, to support laws, to demand that laws be enforced - al this is responsible civic, virtuous, behavoir.

One can, of course, petition, work for a change to a law. However, until and if and only if such a change is enacted and signed into law, one must obey the existing law, or suffer the consequences for breaking it.

If gang members are not in the USA legally, then they are illegal immigrants, period. It doesn't matter what their country of origin is.

If the predominant composition of gangs is Hispanic illegal immegrants, then the reality is that they are illegal immigrants with ethnicity defined by the imprecise, but commonly used term - Hispanics.

That is reality, period. Try reality - you may not like it, but so what?

Anonymous | 11:29 a.m. March 3, 2009

I personally know two gang members here in California. Both work for the same company as I. When I asked them why they chose to be in a gang their response was surprising. The oldest brother immigrated from Mexico (the youngest brother sadly followed in big brothers shoes). They told me that BEFORE they leave Mexico they are assigned to a gang. Depending on which part of Mexico they come from, North or South, will be the deciding factor of whether they belong to the Cryps or the Bloods. They believe they have to belong to a gang for safety once they cross US soil in order to stay alive. Sadly the hispanic culture gives themselves no choice but to belong to these....yes terroristic...organizations. They have fooled themselves into thinking there are no alternatives. Any siblings born after crossing the border will automatically be in the gang. So...if this nation wants to curb its gang activity then something needs to be done about immigration. It's a national security problem that should be dealt with by Homeland Security. As for the parents not knowing their kids are gang members......think again!

James | 11:36 a.m. March 3, 2009

The problem is with immigrant parents. They are shy and most Latinos are VERY family oriented. I'll bet this mother did know and was in denial. She did not want the shame to come to her family that this kind of thing can bring.

good work | 11:38 a.m. March 3, 2009

good work, keep it up. Especially the education part and letting the families know what's up.

Anom | 12:02 p.m. March 3, 2009

The gang bangers are terrorists that need to be locked up. Would we allow a known terorist to walk around waiting for them to do something?

Ulusan | 12:10 p.m. March 3, 2009

I lived near Compton, CA where gang violence was common. Gang-banging is prevalent where the influence in the home is not strong and positive. Gangs thrive because of a need that the home or community lacks. When a gang bullies in, others form to protect themselves from each other (and white gangs are just as much of a problem!). Those who are weak often join or become prey. Sadly, the innocent are not immune from the scars of gang violence. How do you prevent it once it has infested your neighborhood? SALT is a good start, but neighborhood watch programs need to be active and ALL neighbors need to work together. It's too late to throw blame - bigotry and prejudice is a big part of the cause! But it's not too late to be part of the solution. My neighborhood in L.A. became a safe place to live in again, but it took everyone getting involved, knowing our neighbors, and making them ALL feel part of our neighborhood family. It WILL take time, but isn't it worth it? Love your neighbors no matter what color or ethnicity and work together...or move out!

The Deuce | 12:18 p.m. March 3, 2009

We are back to the old argument of what to do with a cancer in our society. For once, let's step up to the plate and go after this with a purpose. The truth is most law enforcement agencies know who the gang members are. It's time we go after these people with the purpose of cutting them out of society. Open up and put a bounty on the heads of the gang leaders and watch a few of them drop. Make the gang environment so dangerous that no one wants to be associated because its "shoot on site" and ask questions later. Give law enforcement the freedom to clean this out. Try it before you trash the idea. It might work very well.

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