How US Prison Gangs (Nuestra Familia) Actually Work | How Crime Works | Insider

John "Boxer" Mendoza is a former high-ranking member of the Nuestra Familia. He was part of the organization from 1994 to 2007 and was incarcerated at various California prisons, such as San Quentin, Pelican Bay, and Corcoran.

He was a member of the Nuestra Raza before rising to the rank of commander in the Nuestra Familia. Mendoza speaks with Insider about rivalry with the Mexican Mafia and Aryan Brotherhood, corrupt prison guards, attacks and uprisings, weapons, and yard fights. He also talks about life inside the gang, from rules to prison tattoos and methods of communication in jail.

Find out more on John’s YouTube channel:

And on Twitter:

And TikTok:

00:00 - Introduction
00:34 - Chapter 1 | Joining the Gang
03:27 - Chapter 2 | Your First Day in Jail
05:43 - Chapter 3 | The Structure
07:43 - Chapter 4 | The Rivalries
10:07 - Chapter 5 | The Weapons
12:52 - Chapter 6 | The Guards
15:26 - Chapter 7 | The Codes
17:49 - Chapter 8 | The Money
19:18 - Chapter 9 | The Gang on the Streets
20:53 - Chapter 10 | The Truce
23:16 - Chapter 11 | The Fallout
27:21 - Chapter 12 | Bad Standings
28:23 - Chapter 13 | The Backstory
30:04 - Chapter 14 | War Stories

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How US Prison Gangs (Nuestra Familia) Actually Work | How Crime Works

[supahmariostyle]

I quit being a correctional officer because of all the corruption at GEO formerly Wackenhut in Cleveland, Texas. I always used to say that the ONLY difference between a CO and a inmate is that the CO's haven't been caught yet for their crimes.

[JAY]

No bullsh*t music in the background, just straight to the point stories. Excellent.

[romxxii]

Didn't expect to be watching Mexican Kingpin talk about prison life on Youtube.

[kuebby]

The Pelican Bay fight from the early 90s is one of the craziest prison riots ever caught on video. This dude is OG.

[jonloftness]

I retired as a deputy warden at USP Leavenworth. Around 2006 or 2007, I had a lot of Sureños and Norteños and they were constantly trying to kill each other. Washington DC finally realized we couldn't house both on the same yard, so we started moving Norteños out. Eventually I only had two Norteños left in SHU. They would ask me to release them to the yard. I would tell them it's you two against 100 Sureños. You know what their response was? "I'm good with those odds." I will admit they have no fear.

[dsnowman]

I worked as a CO for over 10 years. I had John on my tier. He was very respectful. I never had any negative issues with him. Good luck to you John. I hope you are doing well.

[MarsLonsen]

the guy is drowning in wisdom and experience. kudos to him for taking the leap and making a change!

[jamesrichey]

This was absolutely fascinating. He was very well spoken and easy to listen to.

[wrecklessknight]

I am a Mexican. This gangster life destroyed our family. My older brother joined Sinaloan Cartel back in 1993. It all started when my brother was 14 and into that dope life. Poverty then, was rampant. And gangs were glorified and leaders were portrayed as saviour in some sorta way. Life was never the same in the family. My brother was gunned down in a rival gang shootout. Fortunately for me, Me and my Mom moved in the states and i could pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. But the horrors of murder and seeing dead bodies on the daily are still vivid in my memories.

[RC-]

One of the best prison testimonies I've heard. Its not often you get to hear an honest prison story that comes off genuine.

[MANwPLAN]

On point.
Glad you out brotha. Keep up the good work on the straight path . God bless

[coltgunner]

I love boxer. He is so real and his stories are amazing. His channel paradigmmedia has excellent content. Makes my daily commute to and from work suck that much less

[CharmanderThug]

Aren’t we all glad we’re watching this on YouTube and not experiencing this for ourselves

[omnomnomnomnomnomnom]

This guy is most certainly the boss you get to at the final level.

[geneclark]

this was really well done, I learned a lot. Thank you. Well produced, a damn good product.

[gareiis]

Thank you for being brave enough to share. Your inspiration will absolutely save young kids from this life.

[GEO]

The biggest indication this man has made a powerful internal change is when he brought up his moms struggles. He made it clear he didn't blame her for his drug use. He had accepted his faults.

[omz_espinoza]

A buddy of mine became a Norteño. Then one day he had a baby with his lady and decided he wanted to change his life for the better. He wanted out of the gang. Norteños went to his house, stabbed him in his front yard, threw him in their car and drove away. His body was found burned alive. Absolutely horrific.

[jaredmckeown]

I’ve been in the dep for 22 years . I’m at Folsom prison. I read your book a few years ago and it’s as real as it gets. I commend you for the choice you made. It takes a real man, a powerful man to step up and turn the other way. I’ve seen your book get passed around for sometime now inside. I know for certain you have made a positive impact in many of these men inside. I pray you keep up the good work and stay blessed. My condolences for your wife and mother.

[kingsavageson]

The fact that he survived two greenlights, shows that he still had respect with some individuals within the organization...