Spikes in gang, drug, and criminal activity have been reported in Shelbyville, Kentucky, and ties to the Mexican Mafia have in some cases been confirmed. The town has a population of 14 thousand.
Many who come to the US from Mexico illegally, endure dangerous conditions to provide their families with a better life; whereas others do so to expand criminal networks.
While Shelbyville, Kentucky had primarily only attracted the former – mostly people seeking work in the tobacco and various horse-related industries – there have been recent reports of a deluge of the latter.
Spikes in gang, drug, and criminal activity continue to occur, and ties to the Mexican Mafia have in some cases been confirmed.
Shelbyville city councilman Shane Suttor said, “We don't have a swat team. We don't have a gang task force. We're just a small town."
The population of Shelbyville is just over 14 thousand.
The FBI has assisted with investigations, including more than one involving gang initiation killings.
Local police say that that both the Latin Kings and MS-13 gangs are active in the area.
The MS-13 gang is compared to the old Italian Mafia, except for that their weapon of choice is the machete.
Gang cells and cartel activities have also been found in Lexington and Louisville.
