MS-13 tattoos are typically bold and explicit, often including the letters "MS-13" or symbols that directly signify membership in the gang, which is known for its violent reputation. These tattoos serve as clear, conspicuous markers of gang identity and loyalty, acting like "billboards" that leave no ambiguity about the wearer's affiliation
. Common MS-13 tattoos may include:
- The letters "MS" and the number "13"
- Devil horns
- Other gang-related symbols that are widely recognized by law enforcement and gang experts
However, some tattoos that have been claimed to indicate MS-13 membership, such as a marijuana leaf, a smiley face, a cross, and a skull, do not necessarily prove gang affiliation. Experts have cautioned that these symbols alone are ambiguous and can have multiple interpretations unrelated to gang membership. They emphasize that MS-13 tattoos are usually very explicit and not subtle or coded in ambiguous ways
. In a notable case involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Trump administration claimed his finger tattoos (a leaf, smiley face, cross, and skull) spelled out "MS-13," but this was disputed by gang experts who said these tattoos are not typical MS-13 markings and do not definitively indicate gang membership. The image showing the letters "MS13" was digitally altered and not part of the actual tattoos
. In summary, authentic MS-13 tattoos are usually explicit with the gang's name or recognizable symbols, whereas other tattoos that are more ambiguous or commonly found in the general population do not reliably indicate MS-13 affiliation. Tattoos alone should not be used as the sole evidence of gang membership
