The DPS report classified gangs on a tier system, with gangs posing the greatest threat designated as Tier 1. Tango Blast, Texas Syndicate, Barrio Azteca and Texas Mexican Mafia are in Tier 1. The Barrio Azteca — with an estimated 3,500 members — continues to be the greatest gang threat in West Texas because of the gang’s ability to operate on both sides of the border and its strong ties to Mexican drug cartels, according to the report.
A prison gang once described by Texas authorities as being “near fad status” is now considered the state’s biggest gang threat as it has spread to several cities, including El Paso, according to a new report.
The Tango Blast gang has an estimated 10,000 members statewide and has surpassed the Texas Mexican Mafia as the biggest gang threat in the state, according to the Texas Gang Threat Assessment report released last week by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Tango Blast is a new generation gang made up of loosely organized cliques from different parts of the state. Tango cliques take their name from their hometown’s nickname.
The DPS report considers Tango Blast a threat because of the gang’s rapid growth, increased criminal activity by members outside of prison, and the potential link of some Tango groups to Mexican drug cartels.
“We do have Tango Blast people here,” said Darrel Petry, an El Paso police spokesman. “Our Gang Unit first started to pick up on them here in 2006. It is mainly found inside (jails and prisons). Our Gang Unit considers them to be active.”
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