Latin Eagles
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The ALEN (Almighty Latin Eagles Nation) originated in the area of Halsted and Addison in Chicago in the 1960s. The gang's formation was a culmination of two other small gangs, the Top Cats and the Emerald Knights. Originally meant to be a Latino political organisation, by the 1970s it had transformed into a criminal street gang.
[edit] Identification
Members of the Latin Eagles Nation identify themselves with the colours grey and black. They also use the symbols such as an eagle head or an eagle in flight. They also use the symbols for and are associated with the Folk Nation.
[edit] Development
From early on the ALEN took part in crimes such as drug trafficking, robbery, and murder, however they have added graffiti, assault, and theft since the early 1980s.
The ALEN is also an original founder and of the Folk Nation. However, prior to this they were a part of an alliance of Latin street gangs called the United Latino Organization (ULO). This group included other gangs such as Maniac Latin Disciples, and Insane Spanish Cobras, which among others were the initial founding gangs for the Folk Nation.
By this point their growth had solidified their presence in Wrigleyville, while also setting up operations in Uptown, Kelvyn Park, and Gil Park communities on Chicago's north side. Upon setting up operations in Uptown, they began a vicious war with the Almighty Latin King Nation, another Latin gang from Chicago, but associated with the People Nation. The ALEN still has an on going territorial feud with the Latin Kings.
Today the gang's presence is much more discrete than in the 80s and early 90s. Despite this they have recently expanded their operations to the Rogers Park area. The gang has several factions throughout the Chicago area, including a difference section which operates as a liaison between the organization's hierarchy and the younger members.
