The Black Hand

1. From Suburbia to Soldier: The Making of a Mobster

He had a lot of blood on his hands—from the streets and from behind bars.

Innocence Lost. Rene Enriquez's early life in a middle-class suburb was a stark contrast to the violence that would define his future. The allure of gang life, fueled by his older brother's involvement and a desire for belonging, led him down a path of drugs, petty crime, and ultimately, membership in the Mexican Mafia.

Early Exposure. Despite a stable home environment, the proximity to gang-ridden areas and the influence of his older brother drew Rene into the world of Artesia 13. His first act of violence, a gang initiation, marked the beginning of his transformation from a normal kid into a hardened criminal.

Family Dysfunction. While his father tried to steer him right, the permissiveness of his mother and the constant arguments between his parents created an environment where Rene felt lost and rebellious. This lack of guidance, combined with the allure of the streets, set the stage for his descent into a life of crime.

2. La Eme's Brutal Genesis: Forging Power Through Blood

The more aggressive gang members went about the serious business of establishing violent reputations. Along with the reps came the celebrity status. A completely abnormal social value system was established.

Prison Origins. The Mexican Mafia emerged in the late 1950s within California's youth correctional facilities, uniting Southern California gang members for protection and control. Luis "Huero Buff" Flores is credited with conceiving the idea of uniting all the Mexican-American southern California gangs into one big prison "super gang" or "gang of gangs."

Ruthless Expansion. La Eme quickly established dominance through violence, extortion, and drug trafficking, creating a reign of terror within the prison system. Early members, recruited for their fearlessness and ruthlessness, enforced the Mafia's code with deadly consequences.

Rivalries and Alliances. The quest for control led to conflicts with other prison gangs, most notably Nuestra Familia, resulting in a bloody and protracted war. La Eme also formed alliances with groups like the Aryan Brotherhood, further complicating the prison landscape.

3. Prison as a Crucible: Boxer's Mafia Education

It was a kid’s trip then, just a branch of homeboys from East L.A. If I felt like killing somebody, I would, if I didn’t, I wouldn’t. We were just having fun then. The power was intoxicating.

From Gang Member to Soldier. Rene's first prison sentence became a training ground for his future role in the Mexican Mafia. He quickly adapted to the violent environment, participating in gang activities and earning a reputation as a reliable soldier.

The Wrecking Crew. At Deuel Vocational Institution, Rene joined a group of young, ambitious gang members known as the "wrecking crew," who carried out hits and enforced the Mafia's will. This period solidified his commitment to La Eme and paved the way for his eventual membership.

San Quentin and the Black Hand. A transfer to San Quentin brought Rene into contact with influential Mafia figures like Black Dan Barela and Joe Morgan, who mentored him and initiated him into the organization. This marked a turning point in his life, solidifying his identity as a Mafioso.

4. The Black Hand's Grip: Loyalty, Terror, and Twisted Honor

Eme has a saying that, “when the hand touches you, you go to work.”

The Oath. Membership in the Mexican Mafia demanded absolute loyalty, obedience, and a willingness to kill for the organization. The oath, "blood in, blood out," signified a lifetime commitment with death as the only acceptable exit.

Code of Conduct. La Eme operated under a strict code of conduct that prohibited homosexuality, informing, cowardice, and disrespect towards other members' families. Infractions were punishable by death, reinforcing the organization's control.

Twisted Values. The Mafia fostered a culture where violence was glorified, and loyalty was paramount, even above family ties. This created a distorted sense of honor and morality, where brutality was seen as a virtue.

5. Street Warfare: Drugs, Robberies, and the Reign of Terror

Anytime I needed money badly I did a robbery.

Escalating Violence. Upon release from prison, Rene returned to the streets with a renewed commitment to the Mexican Mafia. He quickly established a crew and engaged in a series of robberies, extortions, and drug deals, instilling fear and consolidating the Mafia's power.

The "Tax" System. Rene implemented a system of "taxing" drug dealers, demanding a percentage of their profits in exchange for protection. Those who refused to pay faced violence or death, further solidifying the Mafia's control over the drug trade.

Brutality and Impunity. Rene and his crew operated with impunity, committing violent acts without regard for the consequences. This reign of terror instilled fear in the community and allowed the Mafia to operate with near-total control.

6. Mafia Politics: Treachery, Power Grabs, and Arbitrary Justice

The line that divided life in prison and life in the outside world seemed blurred.

Internal Conflicts. Despite the outward appearance of unity, the Mexican Mafia was rife with internal conflicts, power struggles, and shifting alliances. Members constantly plotted against each other, and violence was often used to settle disputes.

Arbitrary Rules. The Mafia's code of conduct was often applied arbitrarily, with members being punished or killed for perceived transgressions. This created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, where loyalty could shift at any moment.

The Hit List. Disagreements, power struggles, and perceived slights often resulted in members being placed on the "lista," a death sentence issued by the organization. This constant threat of violence created a climate of paranoia and treachery.

7. The American Me Effect: Hollywood, Betrayal, and Deadly Consequences

The Mafia terror reached out into the streets for the first time.

Hollywood's Glimpse. The film "American Me," which sought to depict the rise and fall of a Mexican Mafia leader, sparked controversy and violence within the organization. La Eme members objected to the film's portrayal of their history and code, leading to deadly consequences.

The Price of Disrespect. Those involved in the film, including consultants and actors, became targets of the Mafia's wrath. The murders of Charlie Brown Manriquez and Ana Lizarraga demonstrated the organization's willingness to retaliate against those who they believed had disrespected them.

The Power of Fear. The "American Me" saga highlighted the Mexican Mafia's ability to exert influence and control, even within the entertainment industry. The fear generated by the organization's reputation was a powerful tool for enforcing its will.

8. The Turning Point: Seeds of Doubt and a Glimmer of Redemption

I was like a pistolero with notches on my gun, a doer.

Moral Conflict. Despite his outward commitment to the Mafia, Rene began to experience moments of doubt and regret. The arbitrary nature of the organization's rules, the senseless violence, and the constant threat of betrayal took a toll on his conscience.

The Influence of Family. Encounters with his family, particularly his sons, forced Rene to confront the consequences of his choices. The realization that he was a negative influence on their lives sparked a desire for change.

A Path to Redemption. The seeds of redemption were sown through reading, self-reflection, and a growing awareness of the destructive nature of the Mafia lifestyle. This internal struggle set the stage for his eventual decision to leave the organization.

9. From Enforcer to Informant: A Dangerous Path to Redemption

I was merely an unfortunate victim, the one time I was victimized in prison.

A Difficult Decision. Dropping out of the Mexican Mafia was a life-altering decision that carried immense risks. It meant betraying his oath, facing the wrath of his former brothers, and entering a world he no longer understood.

The Debriefing Process. Rene's decision to cooperate with law enforcement led to a lengthy and arduous debriefing process, where he revealed the inner workings of the Mafia and provided information that could be used to prosecute its members.

A New Identity. By becoming an informant, Rene entered a new and dangerous world, where he was both a target of the Mafia and a valuable asset to law enforcement. This path offered a chance for redemption, but it also came with a heavy price.

10. The Unraveling: Regret, Remorse, and a Search for Meaning

I have to be more than the worst thing I’ve done in my life.

Haunted by the Past. Despite his efforts to change, Rene remained haunted by the violence and destruction he had caused. The memories of his victims and the knowledge that he had wasted his life weighed heavily on his conscience.

A Search for Meaning. In the aftermath of his defection, Rene sought to find meaning and purpose in his life. He explored religion, education, and helping others, hoping to atone for his past sins and make a positive impact on the world.

A Test Case for Redemption. Rene's story serves as a test case for redemption, raising questions about the possibility of change and forgiveness for those who have committed terrible acts. Whether he can truly escape the shadow of his past remains to be seen.

Last updated: April 1, 2025