Many people search for “is Brentwood still infested with MS-13 gangs in NY” because they hear old stories about violence and wonder if it’s safe to live, visit, or send kids to school there today. Brentwood, a diverse suburb in Suffolk County on Long Island, New York, has faced real challenges from MS-13 Long Island violence in the past. But in 2025, things look different thanks to strong police work.
This guide breaks it down simply. We look at history, fresh data on gang activity in Suffolk County NY, recent arrests, and tips for staying safe. If you’re a parent checking public safety Brentwood New York, a potential mover eyeing safe places to live in Suffolk County NY, or just curious about Central American gangs in NY, you’ll find clear answers here.
The Background: How MS-13 Took Root in Brentwood and Long Island
MS-13, short for Mara Salvatrucha, started in Los Angeles in the 1980s. It grew from groups of Central American immigrants facing tough streets and rival gangs. By the 1990s, members deported back home spread it to El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Now, it’s a global network known for brutal tactics like machete attacks to send messages.
In Brentwood NY MS-13 gang history, the gang arrived in the early 2000s. Brentwood’s large immigrant community—over 70% Hispanic, many from El Salvador—drew recruiters. Kids as young as 12 joined for protection or money. Poverty, crowded homes (over 5,400 people per square mile), and weak family ties made it easy. By 2016, MS-13 presence in New York suburbs hit a peak. Suffolk County saw 17 murders linked to MS-13 that year alone, many in Brentwood woods or parks.
Key Events That Shocked the Community
- 2016 Brentwood Teen Murders: Two girls, Kayla Cuevas (16) and Nisa Mickens (15), vanished after a fair. MS-13 members killed them for “disrespecting” the gang. Their bodies were found chopped up in Brentwood fields. This sparked national outrage and federal probes.
- Schoolyard Lures: Gangs targeted teens near Brentwood High School, offering drugs or threats. One boy, Oscar Acosta (19), was beaten unconscious and hacked to death in 2016 after a fake meetup.
- NY Gang-Related Murders Brentwood: From 2016-2017, at least nine killings tied to local cliques like Sailors and Hollywood. Victims included rivals, dropouts, and innocents caught in crossfire.
These acts created fear. Parents kept kids indoors. Businesses added cameras. But leaders like Alexi Saenz (“Blasty”) ran operations from hiding spots, ordering hits to climb ranks.
For a deeper look at how suburbs like Brentwood mirror past urban struggles, check this Quora discussion on South Central LA’s gang era. It ranks high on Google for blending personal stories with facts on poverty and policing—much like Brentwood’s path.
The Peak of the Problem: MS-13 Cliques on Long Island in the 2010s
MS-13 cliques on Long Island like Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside (Sailors) and Hollywood dominated Brentwood. They controlled drug sales, extortions, and “green light” hits—orders to kill rivals or traitors.
Why Brentwood Was a Hotspot
- Immigrant Ties: Many members were unaccompanied minors from Central America. Over 1,000 MS-13 affiliates in Suffolk by 2016.
- Easy Recruits: Schools saw graffiti and fights. Gang violence in New York schools rose, with MS-13 flashing tattoos to intimidate.
- Weapons and Methods: Machetes from hardware stores, guns from NYC streets. Attacks happened in broad daylight or hidden spots like Pilgrim State Hospital ruins.
Stats paint the picture:
- 2016 Suffolk Homicides: 17% gang-related, mostly MS-13.
- Extortions: Businesses paid “rent” or faced arson. One 2017 fire killed a family in retaliation.
Residents felt trapped. “Control through fear,” one local told reporters. This era defined Long Island neighborhoods gang issues.
The Turning Point: Long Island Gang Crackdown and Suffolk County Law Enforcement Against MS-13
By 2017, feds declared MS-13 a top threat. Operation Matador launched, netting 475 arrests by 2025, including 274 MS-13 members. Local heroes stepped up too.
Key Players in the Fight
- Suffolk County DA Raymond Tierney: Pushed RICO charges (like mob busts) for gang leaders. His office convicted seven in a 2024 Brentwood teen assault.
- ICE and HSI: Deported 99 unaccompanied minors turned gang members. One Brentwood arrest in 2025: Jamie Manual Perez Perez, wanted for extortion in El Salvador, nabbed near a school.
- FBI Long Island Gang Task Force: With Nassau and Suffolk PD, they mapped cliques. Over 120 convictions since 2010.
Governor Hochul added $20 million in 2023 for anti-gang programs, funding youth centers and tip lines.
Big Wins in Court
- Alexi Saenz Sentenced (July 2025): Brentwood Sailors leader got 68 years for eight murders, including the Cuevas-Mickens case. His brother Jairo (“Funny”) pleaded guilty to seven killings in January 2025.
- Hollywood Clique Bust (June 2025): Five indicted for two Suffolk murders, including a Kings Park stabbing.
- Nassau Sweep (August 2025): 42 arrests, 25 MS-13, in four days. Many held for deportation.
These efforts hit leadership hard. MS-13 arrests in Long Island news dropped 40% from 2020 peaks.
Current Status in 2025: Is Brentwood Still Infested with MS-13 Gangs in NY?
No, Brentwood is not “infested” like before. Gang activity in Suffolk County NY has shrunk, but risks linger in pockets.
Brentwood Crime Rate 2025 Breakdown
FBI data (released September 2025) shows improvement:
| Crime Type | Brentwood Rate (per 1,000) | NY Average | US Average | Change from 2020 |
| Violent Crime | 3.3 | 3.8 | 3.6 | -25% |
| Property Crime | 17.3 | 15.2 | 19.5 | -15% |
| Total Crime | 20.6 | 19.0 | 23.1 | -20% |
- Chance of violent crime: 1 in 307 (safer than 73% of US cities).
- Cost of crime: $768 per household, down from $1,200 in 2016.
MS-13 Long Island violence now? Isolated. The October 2025 conviction of Yeison Chavez Campos for a 2024 teen assault marks the last big local case. No mass killings since 2017. Schools report fewer threats.
But watch Suffolk County schools MS-13 threats: ICE’s September 2025 Brentwood arrest near a middle school shows recruiters still lurk. Brentwood NY immigrant community crime ties to poverty, not just gangs—unemployment at 6.2% fuels petty issues.
Overall, is Brentwood New York safe? Yes, for most. Northwest areas safest; avoid southeast woods at night.
Impacts on Brentwood NY Community Safety: Stories and Stats
Public safety Brentwood New York improved, but scars remain. 50% of residents feel “pretty safe,” per surveys, but 34% note concerns.
Real Impacts
- Families: Deportations split homes. One mom lost her son to MS-13 recruitment at 14; he got deported after a fight.
- Economy: Brentwood NY crime statistics scared businesses. Now, new shops open as crime dips.
- Youth: Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters cut recruitment 30% since 2020.
MS-13 gang news updates USA show national drops too—fewer cliques active. For broader views, see how Nassau County tackles similar issues with community hotlines.
Is Brentwood Still Infested with MS-13 Gangs in NY? Prevention and Actionable Advice
While not “infested,” vigilance matters. Here’s how to stay safe:
Tips for Residents and Families
- Talk Openly: Discuss gang signs (tattoos, blue bandanas) with kids. Use school resources.
- Report Anonymously: Call Suffolk PD tip line (631-852-6320) or ICE (866-347-2423).
- Community Watch: Join neighborhood apps like Nextdoor for alerts.
- Youth Programs: Enroll in sports or after-school clubs—cuts risk 40%.
- Home Security: Locks, cameras, and lights deter scouts.
For parents eyeing moves, compared with safer Suffolk spots like Smithtown via local alerts1.
For Newcomers: “Is Brentwood New York Still Dangerous Because of MS-13?”
Short answer: Less so. Latest MS-13 arrests in Brentwood NY are rare. Focus on general safety—lock doors, avoid isolated spots.
FAQs: Quick Answers on Brentwood and MS-13
Is Brentwood still infested with MS-13 gangs in NY?
No, not like the 2010s peak when MS-13 Long Island violence led to 17 murders in Suffolk County alone. Law enforcement has made huge gains—Operation Matador hit 475 arrests by February 2025, with 274 tied to MS-13.Gang activity in Suffolk County NY is way down (40% drop in arrests since 2020), but isolated risks linger, like a September 2025 MS-13 associate nabbed near a Brentwood school. Overall, Brentwood crime rate 2025 is 13% above national average but safer than 13% of U.S. cities, with violent crime down 25%.
What’s the latest on Brentwood NY MS-13 gangs in 2025?
Activity is low but not zero. Key wins include Alexi Saenz (Sailors clique leader) getting 68 years in July 2025 for eight murders. A Hollywood clique bust in June 2025 indicted five for two killings. On X (formerly Twitter)2, locals noted an ICE arrest of Jamie Manual Perez Perez on September 3, 2025, right by Brentwood High School—he was wanted in El Salvador for extortion.MS-13 arrests in Long Island news focus on remnants, not full cliques.
Is Brentwood New York safe in 2025?
Yes, for most folks—safer than 73% of U.S. cities per CrimeGrade.org. Violent crime rate is 3.3 per 1,000 (1 in 307 chance), below NY and U.S. averages. Property crime is higher (17.3 per 1,000), but total crime fell 20% since 2020. Northwest Brentwood is safest; avoid southeast woods at night. 50% of residents feel “pretty safe,” per Niche surveys.
How bad is the MS-13 problem in Long Island now?
Much better—Long Island gang crackdown efforts like federal RICO charges have convicted over 120 MS-13 members since 2010. No mass killings since 2017, and MS-13 cliques on Long Island are fractured. Suffolk DA Raymond Tierney’s office nailed seven in a 2024 teen assault case. Still, Central American gangs in NY like MS-13 recruit via social media; one X post from October 2025 mentioned a cousin shot in 2009, highlighting old scars.
What about gang violence in New York schools near Brentwood?
Suffolk County schools MS-13 threats are lower, but vigilance is key3. The September 2025 arrest happened steps from a middle school, sparking community worry. Brentwood High added counselors and anti-gang programs after 2016 incidents. No major 2025 school threats reported, but parents should watch for tattoos or blue bandanas. Tip: Use the Suffolk PD tip line (631-852-6320) anonymously.
Conclusion: Brentwood’s Path Forward – Safer, But Stay Alert
Is Brentwood still infested with MS-13 gangs in NY? The answer is no—not like the terrifying 2010s when MS-13 Long Island violence gripped the town. Thanks to bold Long Island gang crackdown efforts, Suffolk County law enforcement against MS-13 has dismantled key cliques, cut NY gang-related murders Brentwood, and boosted Brentwood NY community safety. Crime rates fell, families breathe easier, and kids play outside more.
Yet, MS-13 presence in New York suburbs isn’t zero. Recent arrests show work continues. For safe places to live in Suffolk County NY, Brentwood shines brighter now—but use the tips above to keep it that way.
What worries you most about gang activity in Suffolk County NY, or have you seen positive changes in Brentwood? Share below—we’re here to help!
References
- ICE New York : MS-13 Associate Arrest (2025). – Immigration enforcement role. ↩︎
- U.S. DOJ Eastern District : MS-13 Pleas for Murders (2025). – Federal cases on historical violence. ↩︎
- Suffolk County DA Press Release : MS-13 Conviction in Brentwood Assault (2025). – Details local enforcement wins. ↩︎