Heavy involvement in the drug trade has made the unassumingly-named Drew Street in Los Angeles one of the most notorious in in the city. Shootouts aren't uncommon. And why? Two word: illegal aliens.
An illegal immigrant and mother of 13, Leon has a lengthy arrest record and three convictions for drug-related crimes. The Leons -- and members of several other immigrant families on Drew Street whom authorities have charged with criminal acts -- hail from the town of Tlalchapa in the state of Guerrero, which has a reputation as one of Mexico's most violent regions. Police estimate that dozens of members of these extended families belong to the Avenues gang.
"It's been a safety net for them to rely on each other -- brothers, cousins and all," said LAPD Lt. Robert Lopez. "The likelihood of someone within your family ratting you out is really low."
Anybody who claims that illegal aliens aren't a problem is a complete moron.