Discovery en Español Examines the Growing Epidemic of Latin American Gangs in MARAS, A REGIONAL THREAT

“Discovery en Español takes an objective and somewhat chilling look at a problem that has grown to epic proportions, unleashing a wave of transnational crime threatening to engulf a large portion of the Americas in a new original production, MARAS, A REGIONAL THREAT. The show premieres Sunday, October 28 at 9:00 PM E/P.

The Maras are Latin American bred gangs and a regional phenomenon. They are intractably tied to emigration and to extreme acts of violence that can paralyze entire countries. MARAS, A REGIONAL THREAT goes deep into the bowels of the most dangerous and violent communities of El Salvador and the United States, investigating the reasons beneath this collective and venomous violence.

Viewers will also discover the sometimes unexpected faces belonging to members of the Latin American mafia. The show will feature these antagonists, exploring their mindsets while trying to understand their inexplicable passion. Even those as young as eight years old are forever affected by the Mara, transforming them into violent undertakers without a will of their own. These individuals come to the Mara as a misguided point of departure, looking for a destiny, looking for a source of family.

“What I found in the gang is a family that offered me love, understanding and sincerity above all,” said Miriam Ivonne Cabezas former M-18 member (joined at age 11).

“From age 16 until this day I have shot 16 people and killed 15. My first mission was to kill,” said José Ángel Fuentes reformed MS-13 member (currently age 23).

MARAS, A REGIONAL THREAT takes the viewer from the barrios of El Salvador to the Streets of Los Angeles, underscoring the realities through vivid exchanges with numerous members of La Mara Salvatrucha (better known as MS-13) and M-18, as well as insights from leading experts including historian and journalist, Marco Lara Klahr; FBI Special Agent, Robert B. Loosle; and Director of the National and Civil Police in El Salvador, Rodrigo Ávila. Their commentaries give viewers an objective glimpse into an issue adversely affecting our nation as well as those of our neighbors.

Throughout this special a number of the programs instituted to combat the problem are also examined, some of which, a few argue, have aggravated the situation.

Finally, the program takes a hard look at some of those who made the effort to abandon their path of violence, the hurdles they face and why succeeding at it may sometimes be a tall order.

Background:

– MS-13 and M-18 were established in Los Angeles in the late 1980s.
– According to the FBI, Mara Salvatrucha is a fast-growing, violent, and increasingly mobile street gang that’s terrorizing communities in 33 states and the District of Columbia.
– The MS-13 members are mostly Salvadoran nationals or first generation Salvadoran Americans, but also include Hondurans, Guatemalans, Mexicans, and other Central and South American immigrants.
– MS-13 has a significant presence in Northern Virginia, New York, California, Texas and Miami, as well as in places as disparate and widespread as Oregon City, Omaha, and Nebraska.
– It is estimated that the total number of MS-13 and M-18 members (usually ages 12 – 20) is about 50,000 in the United States alone. There are more than 100,000 active members in Central America.

MARAS, UNA AMENAZA REGIONAL is an original production carried out for Discovery en Español by Production Mexico, under the supervision of Michela Giorelli (director of production of Discovery Networks Latin America), Rafael Rodriguez and Irune Ariztoy (supervisors of production of Discovery Networks Latin America).

About Discovery en Español
The premiere Spanish-language network dedicated to offering the finest in quality programming in the areas of science & technology, world culture & history, nature & wildlife and real-life dramas. With original shows made specifically for U.S. Hispanics and the best programming from Latin America, Discovery en Español is entertainment that stimulates, informs and empowers, giving viewers a fascinating look at the incredible, varied and always surprising real world. “*

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