Salinas POA responds to video showing MILPA member allegedly flashing gang sign

The Salinas Police Officers Association ( POA ) demands action from the city after a video showed MILPA leader, Israel Villa, flashing gang signs. It happened during a video chat with a group of inmates at the Monterey County Jail. “You have a leader of MILPA promoting gang violence, which is absurd, ” said Salinas Police Officers Association board member, Robert Balaoro .

Balaoro is familiar with the meaning behind the signs Villa was using. Balaoro said they are used by the Salinas East Marqueta (SEM). SEM is one of Salinas’ oldest criminal street gangs. Balaoro said police have worked hard to eliminate gang violence in the city. “We’re close to reaching that goal, however when you have leaders, like this guy from MILPA , promoting gang life and gang activity, instead of taking two steps forward we’re taking three steps backward, ” said Balaoro .

The POA asked the city to cut ties with MILPA , entirely. MILPA is a member of the city’s Community Alliance for Safety and Peace ( CASP ).

Salinas city council member, Steve McShane , said CASP is an open group that is available for anyone to join. “Ultimately, the way this plays out is in the court of public opinion. People are very disappointed in what appears to be senior leadership affiliated with gang activity, ” said McShane .

Members of MILPA have been under fire before. Last year, another leader was arrested for involvement in the violent beating of a 14-year-old boy at a Salinas skate park.

“When you see senior leadership behaving in ways that’s not acceptable, it’s a huge setback to the whole process. When they speak up, I just don’t think it will be taken as seriously as they have been in the past, ” said McShane .

MILPA declined to comment.

KION 2019