AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Gang Threat Assessment was released by the Texas Department of Public Safety Wednesday. The assessment aims to provide a broad overview of gang activity in the state of Texas.

One of the most important takeaways from the assessment, is gangs continue to pose a significant threat to the public’s safety in the state of Texas. These gangs detailed in the report are also closely tied to Mexican cartels. 

According to DPS, Texas gangs are using social media to boast and recruit new members. 

In a press release from DPS, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said, “the findings in this report are further evidence that the State of Texas must continue to do all it can to proactively and aggressively combat gangs operating in our state.” 

According to Governor Abbott, the state has increased the number of Texas Anti-Gang Centers in recent years, as well as initiated violent crime task forces.

“Gangs and their associates remain a significant threat to public safety, not only because of their penchant for violence and criminal activity, but also their relationships with other criminal organizations, such as Mexican cartels,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw.

The DPS reports that the Texas Anti-Gang Centers are funded through grants from the Criminal Justice Division of the governor’s office. These grants include partnerships between state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies.

According to the Texas Gang Threat Assessment, there are as many as 100,000 gang members in the state of Texas.

You can read the full Texas Gang Threat Assessment here.