Nicolas Enriquez was born in the city of Cali, Colombia in 1993. At the age of 19, Nicolas decided to travel to New York to study Photojournalism and Documentary Photography at The International center of Photography where he graduated in 2014.
He has developed an interest in documenting urban conflict, and political and human rights issues. He currently works as a freelance photographer for the New York Daily News and his work has been published in media outlets such as The New York Times, American Photography, Getty images,The Atlantic, Daily Mail UK, Quartz, PDN, and Corriere della sera.

“living in the hood is like living in prison”

Karen, mother of Kyrell and aunt of Smokey.

“Looney”, active member of the Nation yells “amor de rey” king love at his group while they’re looking for members from an enemy gang in a subway station
The Bloodline is a chapter designated by the gang of the Latin Kings to the State of New York. The Latin Kings is one of the largest and most organized gangs in America with more than 35,000 active members.
This Photo Essay focuses on documenting not only the extreme life conditions for the majority of gang members but also the relation between gang members and society. It explores the intimacy and naivety of teenagers who have been pushed by their economic status,
racial, and social issues to survive in a hostile environment in one of the most developed cities in the world. It also draws attention to the happiness, unity and respect they show each other and the importance of the family and religion in their lives.

“From here I can shoot the J train” is what “B-Rad” said to his brother in law “Smokey”.

Smokey, leader of the South-Side tribe of the Latin Kings lights up a marijuana cigarette while seating in his room at the Bushwick housing projects.

“Flash” after smoking marijuana

Blask got his hand cut with a broken bottle during a fight with members from an enemy gang called the Trinitarios,
As a Colombian, I am aware of the political and social situations of my country, and am familiar with the culture and their way of life. I am drawn to people who have to live in extreme conditions, and the risks they take to be capable of maintaining their economic status. The
stressors behind why they create or get involved in gangs and what their purpose is. In my work I endeavor to show my point of view of social and cultural issues, often referencing South and Latin American urban conflicts such as drug dealing, narco-traffic, gangs and corruption.
I feel inspired by the efforts of these teenagers seeking for a community that understands them and supports them, and how they find the answer to this questions in Gangs, a community that forces them to juggle between being a teenager and surviving in the concrete
jungle.

(from left to right) King Looney, King Chucho, King Smokey and King Buckets rest in their apartments after a long day at a meeting with other gang members, smoking some marijuana and drinking beer.

Smokey and Chucho play with one of the toys of Kyrel.

Building in the Bushwick housing projects, home for Latin Kings, YSquad and Bloods.

Smokey, leader of the southside Latin Kings gang in Brooklyn

A drug deal happens in one of the upper floors of the housing building, trying to avoid security cameras.

Smokey taking his shirt off in preparation to fight rival gang members.

(left to right) Poppa, Teflon inside their apartment in Bushwick Brooklyn.

Gang members and friends mourn the death of Simbaa who died after being stabbed 20 times on the chest in Williamsburg-Brooklyn.

Demetrius smokes a joint at his apartment in Brooklyn.

Karens baby, Kirell, sleeps at his home in the Bushwick projects. His unlce “Smokey” wants Kirell to be part of the gang when he grows up.
To see more of Nicolas’ work, please visit his website