University of Houston Sociology professor Luis Salinas said MS-13 gang members tend to be very young, some even still teenagers.
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"They're just extremely violent," said Salinas. "They're so violent that their activities get a lot of attention. Even drug cartels hire them as their muscle."
VIDEO: Alleged gang members linked to "satanic" murder
Prosecutors filed court documents asking for a high bond for 18-year-old Diego Hernandez-Rivera and 22-year-old Miguel Alvarez-Flores.
Both men have immigration holds and are thought to be in the country illegally.
Prosecutors allege a slew of dangerous traits, claiming the two are not only affiliated with MS-13 but are involved in human trafficking and drug dealing.
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Both defendants are from El Salvador, where Salinas said this gang has strong ties.
Without commenting specifically on this case, Salinas said the brutal violence at times witnessed in their home country lends itself to this gang's violent nature.
"Usually, when there's been a murder, it's because somebody has crossed them or has been an informant about their activities," said Salinas.