How US Prison Gangs (Nuestra Familia) Actually Work | How Crime Works

John Mendoza, a former Nuestra Familia (NF) prison gang member, recounts his journey from being a category III and regimental commander in Northern California to his experiences in various prisons like San Quentin and Pelican Bay. He describes the gang's enemies, including Southern Mexicans and the Aryan Brotherhood, and the violent environment that necessitated constant readiness for combat. Mendoza shares his experience with the Northerners (NR), undergoing a 90-day probationary period, and the commitment required to become a full-fledged NF member, which included a lifelong dedication to the gang's cause. He also discusses the gang's indoctrination process, learning their bylaws, and the importance of loyalty and belief in the organization's principles.

The narrative delves into the hierarchical structure of the NF, highlighting the paramilitary organization's ranks, including captains, lieutenants, and commanders, and the decision-making bodies like the inner and general councils. Mendoza explains his role as a regimental commander and the responsibilities that came with it, such as overseeing members and managing daily operations. He also discusses the perks of being an NF member, such as respect from younger gang members, access to money, and the conduct expected of him. Furthermore, he describes the process of integrating new members into the gang and the importance of the '114 lockup order' in establishing affiliations and history.

This section details the brutal reality of prison life, focusing on the constant threat of violence and the strategies used for survival. Mendoza talks about the segregation in the Special Housing Unit (SHU) and the intense training that inmates undergo to prepare for conflicts. He shares personal experiences from the Corcoran SHU wars against the Mexican Mafia and the Aryan Brotherhood. Mendoza also exposes the corruption among correctional officers (COs), who would place bets on fights and even facilitate the movement of weapons within the prison. He discusses the use of covert communication methods, such as the Aztec language Nahua, to maintain secrecy in conversations.

Mendoza addresses the modern challenges faced by prison gangs, particularly the influx of cellphones that have significantly changed the dynamics of gang operations. He explains how these devices allow for real-time communication and immediate orders, which can lead to swift and violent outcomes. The narrative also touches on the rampant corruption within the prison system, with COs profiting from smuggling contraband like drugs and cellphones. Mendoza emphasizes the impact of this corruption on the gang's activities and the increased ease with which they can now coordinate and execute their plans.

The paragraph discusses the evolution of the NF's influence over time. Mendoza reflects on the gang's past power and the fear they instilled in the community, contrasting it with the current state of affairs. He mentions the shift in gang activities from violent crimes to drug dealing following the introduction of the three-strike law. While acknowledging the gang's continued presence, Mendoza notes a significant reduction in their impact and the changing nature of their operations.

In a dramatic turn of events, Mendoza recounts his personal journey from being a loyal NF member to becoming disillusioned and eventually cooperating with law enforcement. He describes the accusations of cooperation against him, the green lights (kill orders) placed on him, and the emotional turmoil following the deaths of his wife and mother. Mendoza's decision to denounce his gang membership and cooperate with authorities led to a reduced sentence and a new perspective on life. He shares his story to shed light on the inner workings of gangs and to help others avoid the same path.

Mendoza's story concludes with his efforts to reach out to at-risk youth and prevent them from falling into the same traps he did. He has written a book titled 'Nuestra Familia: A Broken Paradigm' and runs a YouTube channel called 'Paradigm Media News' to share his experiences and insights. Through his various platforms, Mendoza aims to educate young people about the harsh realities of gang life and the limited options it presents. His outreach serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the potential consequences of joining a gang and emphasizing the importance of making better choices.