They are no different than any other violent gang in the USA..
Completely wrong. I was incarcerated in New York State prison for 2 years alongside MS13, Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings, Skinhead Nazis, Alpha-Beth(Jewish gang) and Gambino affiliated Italians.
And let me tell you something...MS-13 is something else...way worse than all of the other aforementioned...by a landslide.
The Suffolk County Police (long island), the same guys that arrested me, will also tell you the same thing. As will: Bloods, Latin Kings and Skinheads.
It wasn't uncommon for all of the gangs present (except MS-13) and NON gang inmates (like myself) to form a temporary alliance to defend ourselves against MS-13.
There were times when we all had to band together to stop them from eating...to force them out...and the CO's (correction officers) silently allowed it (forced MS-13 members to beg for protective custody). They are one of those groups you can't allow to grow too large within your dorm.
I honestly wish you sheltered WHITE liberals that talk CRAZY on the internet (and believe it) would actually come out of your imaginary shell and see how the world really works.