The following tattoo patterns were found during 1987-88 in various Arizona State prison facilities where members of the New Mexican Mafia have been incarcerated.
The first pattern was confiscated by staff personnel at the Arizona State Prison Tucson facility. The second pattern was found in the Florence facility, 06-03-87, Central Unit during cell searches following the stabbing assault of suspected original Mexican Mafia member.
Since that time, numerous patters have been found and confiscated. Twelve have been found in the Florence SMU facility where the majority of the New Mexican Mafia members are housed.
Information received indicates that members are allowed to use their own creative individuality for the tattoo pattern, however all “Pachas” or patterns must have the skull, double “MM” and the flames around the circle. The double M. Must curve downward and cross at the bottom. This signifies that the member has crossed over from the original Mexican Mafia to the New Mexican Mafia, if he was a member of the former. The large flames are to lean counter-clockwise and be partially shaded. The small flames lean clockwise and are supposed to be completely shaded.
The rose is considered the highest honor a member can obtain. It signifies that the member has successfully completed an assault on his “enemies”.
New Mexican Mafia patch with rose in in the center meaning this inmate has killed an Old Mexican Mafia member.
