The 50 Most Dangerous Gangs in the US Ranked
Gangs have long been a dangerous force in the US, operating in the shadows of major cities and within prison walls. From violent street crews to highly organized criminal syndicates, these groups are responsible for drug trafficking, extortion, and brutal turf wars. Some wield global influence, while others dominate local communities with fear and violence. Law enforcement continues its battle to dismantle them, but many remain stronger than ever. In this list, we break down the 50 most dangerous gangs in the US, revealing their crimes, influence, and the ongoing threat they pose to society.
50. Tiny Rascal Gangsters (TRG)
Tiny Rascal Gangsters (TRG) is one of the largest Southeast Asian street gangs in the US, with a strong presence on the West Coast. Originally formed in the 1980s by Cambodian refugees in California, the gang was created as a means of protection but quickly turned to violent crime. TRG is heavily involved in drug trafficking, robbery, and arms smuggling.
Known for their brutal retaliation against rivals, especially the Asian Boyz, they have a reputation for extreme violence. Despite law enforcement crackdowns, TRG continues to grow, operating in multiple states and maintaining ties to organized crime networks both domestically and internationally.
49. Asian Boyz (ABZ)
The Asian Boyz (ABZ) emerged in the 1980s as a response to gang violence against Southeast Asian immigrants, but it soon became a powerful criminal organization in its own right. Primarily made up of Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Laotian members, ABZ is notorious for its long-standing feud with the Tiny Rascal Gangsters, leading to violent shootouts and targeted assassinations.
The gang is involved in drug trafficking, home invasions, and auto theft across California and other states. ABZ members often display their affiliation through tattoos, hand signs, and distinct blue attire, mimicking larger gangs like the Crips while maintaining their own identity in the criminal underworld.
48. Vatos Locos
Vatos Locos is a loosely structured Latino gang with strongholds in Texas, California, and Arizona. While not as well-organized as larger gangs like MS-13 or the Latin Kings, Vatos Locos is known for its unpredictable violence, often engaging in street-level crimes such as robbery, carjacking, and drug sales.
Their members, typically young and aggressive, have been linked to deadly turf wars with other Latino gangs. With their lack of centralized leadership, different Vatos Locos factions operate independently, making them harder to dismantle. Law enforcement continues to monitor their activities as the gang expands its influence, particularly in drug distribution networks.
47. United Blood Nation (UBN)
United Blood Nation (UBN), also known as the East Coast Bloods, is a highly organized and violent street gang that originated in the Rikers Island jail system in New York City during the 1990s. Unlike the West Coast Bloods, UBN operates under a different leadership structure, spreading its influence across New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, and other states.
Members are heavily involved in drug trafficking, armed robberies, and violent retaliation against rivals, particularly the Crips. With a strict hierarchy and an expanding network, UBN continues to be one of the most dangerous and active gangs in the U.S. today.