Presented by: World Affairs Council of Orange County
Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Location: Norma Kershaw Auditorium, Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, CA
Time: 5:30 PM
Against the backdrop of the Bowers Museum’s rich cultural history, the World Affairs Council of Orange County hosted an extraordinary and sobering evening titled “Gangs at Our Border”—an off-the-record conversation featuring Alex Sanchez, former MS-13 leader and co-founder of Homies Unidos; William Wheeler, journalist and author of State of War; and Conor Friedersdorf, staff writer for The Atlantic.
With no cameras allowed and only still photography permitted, the audience was invited into an intimate and frank discussion about youth indoctrination, gang violence, the humanitarian crisis in El Salvador, and the broader implications for U.S. immigration and foreign policy.
Featured Speakers & Key Moments
Alex Sanchez
A former high-ranking member of MS-13 and now a community leader, Sanchez offered deeply personal and powerful reflections on his early life in Los Angeles, his rise within one of the world’s most notorious gangs, and his eventual break from that life. He traced his transformation through the founding of Homies Unidos, a nonprofit organization focused on violence prevention, youth empowerment, and reintegration of former gang members. His raw account shed light on the systemic forces that push vulnerable youth into gang life—and what can be done to pull them out.
William Wheeler
Drawing from his investigative reporting and acclaimed book State of War, Wheeler contextualized the political unrest and militarized crackdowns in El Salvador. He explained how U.S. foreign policy and the global war on drugs have contributed to cycles of violence and mass incarceration in Central America, deepening the push factors that drive migration to the U.S. border.
Conor Friedersdorf
As moderator and cultural commentator, Friedersdorf brought clarity and insight to the evening’s sensitive themes. He challenged the audience to reflect not just on the facts of gang violence but also on the ethical questions of state response, human rights, and the media’s portrayal of marginalized communities.
An Off-the-Record, On-the-Mark Discussion
In line with the event’s off-the-record nature, guests were encouraged to listen deeply, engage respectfully, and absorb perspectives that often go unheard. The lack of refreshments or filming, a requirement of the venue, helped preserve the focused and intimate tone of the evening.
Following the main program, Founders Club donors were invited to a private post-event dinner with the speakers, continuing the dialogue in a secure and confidential setting. This special opportunity underscored the Council’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections between experts and community leaders.
Ticketing & Philanthropy
The event drew an engaged and diverse crowd of members, students, and young professionals. Proceeds supported WACOC’s transition to a philanthropy-driven model that allows the Council to expand access to high-quality programming for underrepresented groups in Orange County.
Thank You for Being Part of This Critical Conversation
We are grateful to all attendees, sponsors, and speakers who helped bring attention to a deeply important and complex issue. Gangs at Our Border was not just an event—it was a window into the lives and policy decisions that shape our region and our world.
