DETROIT – Law enforcement estimates there are more than 300 outlaw biker gangs, like the ones involved in the Waco shooting this past weekend, operating in the United States and Michigan has its share.
"These members of the Macomb County-based Devils Disciples were recently convicted of racketeering, narcotics production, and acts of violence," said former federal prosecutor Keith Corbett.
Most motorcycle gangs, whether prosecuted here or caught up in the Waco shootout, have things in common.
"They are always in conflict with each other and are willing to shoot it out," said Corbett.
Corbett said the government now targets motorcycle gangs like other organized crime groups. However, he said, the psychology of criminals on two wheels is different.
"They're not worried about any long view," he said. "Everything is what's happening now. Did someone disrespect people? We have to take action against them."
Motorcycle gangs are tough to infiltrate, and members rarely turn on each other.
"Any potential witness worries about violence against them," said Corbett.
Members of Detroit's "Phantom Outlaws" were recently convicted. They were accused of plotting to kill three members of a rival gang and then to murder all members of the Hell Lovers outlaw motorcycle club, who would be at the members Detroit clubhouse following the funeral.
"These people are basically saying ‘we're not bound by the conventions of your society,'" explained Corbett.