Tancredo Concerned Military Officials Are Unaware of Gang Infiltration in U.S. Army

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Littleton) today asked General David Petraeus about the infiltration of American gangs into the United States military during a hearing on U.S. progress in Iraq.

“The fact that many gang members are being trained in our military is a growing cause for concern,” said Tancredo. “Our local law enforcement officers and gang units are now facing criminals who have obtained advanced weapons training courtesy of the U.S. taxpayer.”

News reports indicate that the growing level of gang activity, driven largely by the growing problem of illegal immigration, has begun spilling over into the military. Gang graffiti has begun to show up on military bases and even in places as far flung as Baghdad. A number of gang members who spent time in the military have returned to their communities only to commit violent crimes made easier by their extensive training.

Tancredo asked Petraeus if he was familiar with any gang activity, specifically MS-13, in Iraq and how widespread the problem is.

General Petraeus said he did not know of gang activity in Iraq but would look into the matter.

Stars and Stripes, a military publication, has documented the foothold gangs have gained in the U.S. Armed Forces as a tool to spread their organizations.

“I find it very disconcerting that there are high-level military officials that are unaware of this growing problem,” said Tancredo. “This is a serious issue that deserves serious attention from the Pentagon brass.”

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