The tattoos that exist are there. The leaf, the smiley, the cross, the skull are there. The letters MS13 are not there. tRump is pretending they are there when he shows a photo with them photoshopped on.
That theory of derivation has all the earmarks of back-formation after the fact (see tweet listed below). Your "Security Threat Groups" coding is the explanation of the number 13 in the name, not the tattoo. You make your claim and then not even an attempt at explanation of the symbolism of cannabis leaf, blitzed smiley face, cross, and skull, in that sequence.
I have searched for evidence, with photos, for the "STG" theory but have not found any. What I did find was tons of tattoo photos and no hand tattoos. https://duckduckgo.com/?q=stg+ms-13&t=ffab&iar=images Post your evidence with a link to a credible site constructed before your claim popped up virally.
El Salvador itself disagrees with you and those training you. There is no mention of marijuana, cannabis, or leaf: https://elsalvadorinfo.net/ms-13-gang-tattoos-explained-the-inked-language-of-fear-and-loyalty/
The real MS-13 Tattoo:
🖐️
The Meaning of the MS-13 Knuckle Tattoo
The MS-13 knuckle tattoo typically features the letters "MS" on one hand and "13" on the other. These are often inked across the knuckles, giving an immediate and bold statement of gang affiliation. But what does it all really mean?
Here’s the breakdown:
"MS" stands for Mara Salvatrucha, the gang’s name.
"13" represents the letter "M", the 13th letter of the alphabet, further signifying allegiance to the Mexican Mafia, a prison gang with strong ties to MS-13.
The MS-13 knuckle tattoo is a mark of full-fledged membership and is often earned through committing violent acts. It signals a commitment to the gang’s code and hierarchy.
New York Post (tRump-loving newspaper) ICE source
says your theory is bogus:
An ICE source told The Post that a
“13” tattoo would have been mandatory for Abrego Garcia if he became part of the notorious gang while living in the US.
{ typical tweet }
Knuckle tattoos on Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
Marijuana leaf = M
Smiley face = S
Cross coverup = 1
Skull coverup = 3
MS-13. pic.twitter.com/AJTodcTUPJ
— captive dreamer (@siegfriedmuell) April 18, 2025
However, when asked about the speculation online regarding the images inked on Abrego Garcia’s hands,
the source said: “I’ve never heard of those resemblances being made.”
= new reply since forum marked as read