BLOODLINES - Launched March 26, 2018 - Full multimedia experience: audio, stills, text and or video: Go to zReportage.com to see more -The Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation is the oldest and largest Hispanic and Latino street gang worldwide. Milan and Rome now have an active Latin-American gang community, where the group’s original raison d’être ‘fighting prejudice against Hispanics’, still holds true. Ecuador is one of the countries that holds strong influence and has the highest number of members in the Latin Kings. Starting in the late 1990's and early 2000's several families from South America including Ecuador emigrated to Spain and Italy in the search of a better life and with them followed gangs like the Latin Kings that started to form their groups on European soil. Studies have shown the latin Kings in Italy have shown propensity to a lower use of violence compared to other similar groups, usually keeping violence to between single gang members. They have political goals, associated with fighting against racism and oppression, as their members desire equal rights and an increase to social mobility. Members cite human rights abuses against other migrants and seek what they deem to be a better life for those of migrant origin. Religion is also an important part of their society, and some of the topics discussed include teaching respect and love for gang members as well as telling them to study their literature and follow the steps that can lead them to be not only successful leaders within the gang, but also outside as members of the community. The tattoo art on their bodies can represent their individual life story within the gang life. Hip Hop and reggaeton music have always been a big influence for teenagers in Latin America, and gang violence and money play heavily in the lyrics that reggaeton singers put out, showing a life of excess that inspires local youth to join gangs or think that a criminal life would lead them to success. Gang members see their organization as a way for individuals who face exclusion in their host country, to come together as a brotherhood in what they deem their Latin King ‘Nation’.
© Nicolas Enriquez/zReportage.com/ZUMA Wire
June 14, 2017 - Sombra born in Ecuador is an active member of the gang in Milanom he has a tattoo of a five point crown with the letters ALKQN ''Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation'
© Nicolas Enriquez/ZUMA Wire
June 10, 2017 - King Chicho and Queen Jennifer hold up their crowns during a prayer at a memorial service for Boricuam a friend and member of the gang that was stabbed to death during a fight.
© Nicolas Enriquez/ZUMA Wire
July 2, 2017 - Latin Kings gather at a park during an important monthly meeting called Reunion del Sol (Meeting of the Sun), during the meeting the discuss new charges and missions they have to accomplish during the month, once the meeting is over they share food and drinks.
© Nicolas Enriquez/ZUMA Wire
July 21, 2017 - Rome, Italy - PANDA licks a rolling paper filled with tobacco and cocaine before smoking it. Panda is not a member of the gang but a close friend that spends time with the Latin Kings Tribe in Rome.
© Nicolas Enriquez/zReportage.com/ZUMA Wire
July 22, 2017 - Rome, Italy - KING CAOS lifts his hands doing a 3 point crown sign besides the Roman Colosseum during a meeting of the Italian Latin Kings in Rome.
© Nicolas Enriquez/zReportage.com/ZUMA Wire
July 2, 2017 - Milan, Italy - A member of the gang enjoys the view and the summer weather after taking part of the Reunion del Sol.
© Nicolas Enriquez/zReportage.com/ZUMA Wire
July 15, 2017 - Milan, Italy - Latin Kings and Queens after a weekend activity organized with the goal of raising funds for the gang and it's members.
© Nicolas Enriquez/zReportage.com/ZUMA Wire
July 21, 2017 - Rome, Rome, Italy - (from left to right) KING CUERVO, PANDA (not a latin King) and KING JOHNNY all of them Ecuadorian immigrants living in Rome-Italy, they wait for member of the gang from Milano to come for an important meeting in which both tribes will welcome new members, discuss future missions and organize the gang.
© Nicolas Enriquez/ZUMA Wire
July 22, 2017 - Rome, Italy - Latin Kings members pray on their knees during an important meeting in Rome. Some of the topics discussed include teaching respect and love for gang members as well as telling them to study their literature and follow the steps that can lead them to be not only successful leaders within the gang but also outside of it as humans in society.
© Nicolas Enriquez/zReportage.com/ZUMA Wire
July 22, 2017 - Rome, Italy - KING CAOS sets up a table with books and bead necklaces in preparation for an important meeting between the Roman and Milanese tribes of the Latin Kings.
© Nicolas Enriquez/zReportage.com/ZUMA Wire
July 22, 2017 - Rome, Italy - Latin kings enjoy a small plastic pool during a hot summer day in Rome.
© Nicolas Enriquez/zReportage.com/ZUMA Wire
July 23, 2017 - Rome, Italy - 3 members of the Latin Kings gang sleep on the same bed after a long night partying and celebrating a successful meeting.
© Nicolas Enriquez/zReportage.com/ZUMA Wire
May 19, 2017 - Milan, Italy - SIKOSIS, a reggaeton singer from Ecuador records a scene for his next music video La Zona. Hip Hop and Reggaeton have always been a big influence for teenagers in Latin America. Gangs violence and money are big part of the lyrics that Reggaeton singers put out, showing a life of excess that inspires younger kids to join gangs or think that a criminal life would lead them to success.
© Nicolas Enriquez/zReportage.com/ZUMA Wire
August 13, 2017 - Milan, Italy - Members of the Latin Kings gang form a circle and join their hands with 3 point crown signs at a local latin club in Milan.
© Nicolas Enriquez/zReportage.com/ZUMA Wire
July 28, 2017 - Milan, Italy - KING ORLANDO is a tattoo artist and has several art pieces on his body, most of them representing his gang life.
© Nicolas Enriquez/zReportage.com/ZUMA Wire
