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This violent
Cambodian street gang
can be found in most
parts of the country.
Asian gangs have been part of the gang subculture for a number of years and we have seen them grow in size and change. Due to their mobility, we have seen their impact nationwide and within the Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Laotian and Cambodian communities. The nation's largest Asian street gang is probably the "Tiny Rascal Gang," otherwise known across the country as TRG.
History
In 1975, after the fall of Saigon, California started receiving its first Cambodian refugees. As with many refugee groups, ethnicity and limited English speaking ability helped create a barrier that isolated the refugee group from society. These groups initially are not well accepted by the established street gangs and are often viewed as community outcasts by the general population.
A familiar struggle developed within the refugee family. The Cambodian youths wanted to become westernized so they could be accepted into the general youth population. This was against their traditional customs and ended up with the young Cambodians feeling resentment toward their families. This resentment was only increased as the Western influence became stronger and the families put more pressure on the young to adhere to the traditional customs.
The constant conflict between the young Cambodians and their families resulted in many running away to live on the streets, only to be exposed to the criminal elements. These youth survived in the street by committing crime and helping each other. In addition, they were exposed to the gang life. Seeing the activities of African-American, Hispanic and Vietnamese street gangs started to impact the Cambodian youth. The cities of Long Beach, and Fresno, Calif., became relocation focal points for the refugees.
By the mid 1980s Cambodian street youths started to band together for protection from the street gangs. These young kids realized that as a group, they could be stronger, they could become the aggressors, not the victims, and they could make more money. This philosophy led the Cambodian street youths to get involved in auto-burglary, residential burglary, commercial...