HISTORY OF THE ARIZONA NEW MEXICAN
MAFIA
Around 1974, a group of Hispanic inmates at Arizona State Prison, Florence,
formed a prison gang know as the Mexican Mafia. Arizona Department of
Corrections officials at that time obtained information that this group
pattered themselves after the California Mexican Mafia which had been in
existence for several years. Several Hispanics who came into the Arizona
Prison System brought the concept and philosophy of the California Mexican
Mafia.
In 1978 the Mexican Mafia split into two organizations. One kept the
original philosophy and structure and currently refer to themselves as the
Original Mexican Mafia, "Califas Faction", "EME". The other, which came into
prominence in 1984 and is the organization addressed in this workbook, refer
to themselves as the New Mexican Mafia. Many assaults and murders of members
of both groups have occurred as a result of each organization claiming the
title of "Mexican Mafia" within the Arizona prison system.
Members of the New Mexican Mafia consider themselves autonomous with
relation to the Original Mexican Mafia and the parent organization in
California. They have created their own rules and regulations and have
established an organizational structure. Each member is allowed to vote on
issues regarding membership and leadership. The leader, approved by the
members has the power to solely decide important issues (i.e., revoke
present membership or reject new members) and may approve new members
without an organization vote. As of the printing of this workbook, a few
influential members are consulted on major issues by the leader. This may
discontinue with a change of leadership.
Membership is comprised of inmates who have many years within the prison
system, some were members of the Original Mexican Mafia, as well as first
time offenders. Several newly recruited members have been identified as
belonging to Hispanic street gangs throughout Arizona. Most members have
been documented by law enforcement as having the New Mexican Mafia tattoo.
All members are encouraged to wear it.
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INTRODUCTION
The following reproduction of the Rules and Regulations of the Arizona New
Mexican Mafia is verbatim as they exist. They were confiscated
by the prison Special Security Team from a documented New Mexican
Mafia member at Arizona State Prison Complex-Florence, Central Unit
on 09-30-88. Two other identical documents have been found in the
possession of documented members since the first confiscation.
A list of Spanish to English translation have been included.
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"OPENING BRIEF"
#13 THE ARIZONA MEXICAN MAFIA #13
The Arizona Mexican Mafia is an organization which must consist of
certain reglas in order to maintain a certain amount of discipline
within its structure. In order to keep a wall defined structure of what
we believe in these reglas must be met with considerable thought and
respect. And since this (LA EME), is going to be what we make it,
then we must meet its causes with determination & full force in order
to accomplish what is best for our survival, the survival of the
"Mexican Mafia", and for what we believe in as a whole, for now and
for our future. It must be realized that we are our future and its
for our future that we should be most concerned about, for what we
do now will reflect upon the future, the future must always be at
mind. We’ll strive to meet our goals and in doing this, it is remembered
to honor and exist within the scope of the reglas.
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"SCOPE OF THE REGLAS"
"THE ARIZONA MEXICAN MAFIA"
I THE MAKING OF A CARNAL
When it’s become known amongst the carrnales that a specific person has
the potential of becoming parte, and he meets the standards in which we
believe in, then this person is capable of becoming a carnal. And should
there be a vote and this person accepted, " or any person who has
potential", then which ever carnal who introduced this person into the
"EME’ carries no burden(s) for his future actions, if they may be vile,
for we accepted as a whole so we must deal with it in this manner.
It is not necessarily wise to approach a "prospect" ask if he’d
like to became a carnal, if he has it in his heart to be parte then
time will lead him our way. But there can be an exception; the exception
being that all carnales, [on that yarda], be consulted and if agreed
that person is or can be beneficial to our cause, "then that
person can be approached".
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II OUR INSIGNIA, THE MEXICAN MAFIA
This must always remain the same and should not change for any reason, and should exist throughout time without change.
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III SHOWING YOUR CARNALISMO
This is an issue which must be looked at very closely, because without
carnalismo we cannot accomplish our goals as a whole, and setbacks
will be sure to arise. No carnal shall conspire or plot against any of
the carnales for any reason, behind their back, Nor shall any carnal sell
out his carnal[es] for greed or lust, for none of these reasons can possess
the value of your carnal[es]. And for no reason shall a carnal present
treachery on his behalf towards any carnal, for any reason’ since we
are all carnals in the same, faith, trust and believing in one another
is a must, even though some may vary. Faith in your carnal[es] is very
important, it’s an ingredient which cannot be overlooked. It’s believing
in him and what he stands for and in order to progress we must believe
in ourselves & what we do. We’ve chosen our pattern of life, it’s
only wise that we do it the best way we can.
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IV SHARING OPINIONS
Each and every carnal has the right to speak his mind and share what he
feels is right or beneficial to our organization, and in no way should
this right be jeopardized. It’s only smart to check out every issue
from all points of view, this right gives us that option.
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V ALWAYS A CARNAL
Once a person becomes a carnal he is "Parte De La Mafia Mexicana Por Vida", that
is his life time guarantee. You cannot become a carnal and then
choose not to associate or be a part of "The Mexican Mafia", this
will not be permitted, there are no revolving doors to walk in or
out whenever we please.
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VI FINANCIAL TREASURER
Upon a vote a certain carnal is to become "Our Financial Treasurer", and
upon his request may have on [1] or two [2] more carnales to assist
him with this jale. Those who carry on this jale are to be trusted
in "every way", unless shown and proven otherwise. "This pertains to
each pinta individually’. These funds are to be used solely for the
"benefit and profit of the Mexican Mafia."
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VI FINANCIAL TREASURER
Upon a vote a certain carnal is to become "Our Financial Treasurer", and
upon his request may have on [1] or two [2] more carnales to assist
him with this jale. Those who carry on this jale are to be trusted
in "every way", unless shown and proven otherwise. "This pertains to
each pinta individually’. These funds are to be used solely for the
"benefit and profit of the Mexican Mafia."
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VII THE ROSE
It’s a special honor to be able to possess "The Rose", it reveals loyalty, and
faith in what you believe in: True Carnalismo. And receiving the rose can
only come by way of "Muerte", in this, showing your loyalty in what you
believe in, "Por Vida". And for no other reason should anyone acquire the rose.
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VIII WHEN RELEASED
Once a carnal is released from within the system, contact with his carnales
inside the pinta should always be kept. Also contacting and associating
with your carnal[es] out on libre is a mandatory issue also. The reason
being, to organize and build a strong structure of what we believe in
"The Mexican Mafia", our organization. When contacting or meeting with
other carnales, a low profile should be exercised, for obvious reasons. The
task force is aware of "The Mexican Mafia" and some of us who are involved,
so a low profile and a good front should be kept, in order to prevent
unnecessary harassment and possible incarceration by the law. Even though to
prevent this may not be easy because of the task force full knowledge of the
EME and it’s members. So it’s to be recognized that we are an organization
and that’s how we must conduct ourselves, as organized figures. There’s
different types of task forces but there’s one which deals in only "Gangs
and Organizations" and this is the one we must be aware of and not
underestimate their potentials. And also, financial foundations can be based on,
[Scope of Regals IV], but pertaining to the free world.
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IX FINAL DECISION OR VOTE
The final decision, or the deciding vote, is to be determined by [X] or [XX],
with X in the highest. This was concluded by an election which took place
with the majority of the carnales present and stands valid for all purposes,
and is to be recognized and respected by all carnales.
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X SECURED CONVERSATION[S]
When speaking of or about anything to do con la EME, it is mandatory that only
carnales be present, no outsider is to hear what is to be said, this is strictly prohibited.
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XI CONCLUSION
These are the "Reglas" which must be considered and respected in every way;
in no way should they be abused or disregarded. All decisions for penalties
of violation for these reglas are in the hands of the carnales, those there
who witnessed or have full knowledge of the violation [s], committed by that
carnal. For deciding vote or final decision refer to, [S.O.T.R.IX]...
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English Translations
|
Spanish |
English |
| Carnal |
Brother |
| Carnales |
Brothers |
| Carnalismo |
Brotherhood |
| Con |
With |
| EME |
Mexican Mafia |
| Jale |
Job |
| La |
The |
| Libre |
Free |
| Muerte |
Death |
| Parte |
Part of |
| Parte de la Mafia |
Part of the Mexican |
| Mexicana Por Vida |
Mafia for life |
| Pinta |
Prison |
| Por Vida |
For Life |
| Reglas |
Rules |
| Yarda |
Yard |
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THE NEW MEXICAN MAFIA TATTOOS
The following tattoo patterns were found during 1987-88 in various Arizona State prison facilities where
members of the New Mexican Mafia have been incarcerated.
The first pattern was confiscated by staff personnel at the Arizona State Prison Tucson
facility. The second pattern was found in the Florence facility, 06-03-87, Central Unit
during cell searches following the stabbing assault of suspected original Mexican Mafia member.
Since that time, numerous patters have been found and confiscated. Twelve have been found
in the Florence SMU facility where the majority of the New Mexican Mafia members are housed.
Information received indicates that members are allowed to use their own creative
individuality for the tattoo pattern, however all "Pachas" or patterns must have
the skull, double "MM" and the flames around the circle. The double M. Must
curve downward and cross at the bottom. This signifies that the member has crossed
over from the original Mexican Mafia to the New Mexican Mafia, if he was a member of
the former. The large flames are to lean counter-clockwise and be partially shaded.
The small flames lean clockwise and are supposed to be completely shaded.
The rose is considered the highest honor a member can obtain. It signifies that the
member has successfully completed an assault on his "enemies".
New Mexican Mafia Art & Tattoos click images to enlarge
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