Florencia Mafia or F-13: The group is based out of South Central Los Angeles, but has an increasing presence in Memphis. The gang tagged an abandoned home on Tennyson.
"These are one of the only Hispanic gangs, to my knowledge, which are pretty much racist. They target African-Americans."The detective went on to say the F-13 gang acts in retaliation for crimes and violence committed against Hispanics by African-Americans.The Street Crimes Unit continues to keep an eye on other gangs that have been in operation for several years in the Mid-South.The detective said many African-American gangs in Memphis fall under two separate alliances, "People" and the "Folk Nation". "People" includes the Bloods and Vice Lords. The detective says the signature color for both gangs is red, and their symbol is a five-point star."Folk Nation" includes the Gangster Disciples and the Crips. Their symbol is an upright pitchfork, and both gangs are known for wearing blue. Investigators say the markings for the Gangster Disciples often include the number 74. Detectives say the numbers seven and four corresponds to the letters "G" and "D" in the alphabet.Mara Salvatrucha or MS-13 is a Hispanic gang, whose markings were found in the Nutbush community of Memphis. Investigators say the gang's weapon of choice is the machete.
Surenos-13 or SUR-13 gang, Latin Kings, and the Memphis-based Krazy A-- Latinos (KAL's) also have a presence in Memphis. The groups also tagged the railroad bridge located near Chelsea and Orchi.The detective warns that a lot of gangs are steering clear from using colors and obvious tattoos, so parents will need to keep a closer eye on their kids' behavior. He said new gang members will often practice drawing their gang's symbol and logos. He said the new members will also practice hand signs and handshakes.

"The new gangs are going to be real aggressive and try to recruit our younger kids so they can get their numbers up, so they can attack the larger gangs that are already established here in the city."