Abstract
Inspired by the fast-paced developments in international relations and their effects on migration networks in our post-pandemic setting, this thesis examines a sector of society that is often overlooked: the illicit underworld. The framework draws upon traditional push-and-pull factor literature to explore the expansion of organized crime through a new angle that acknowledges the significance of criminal agency in transnational movements, especially in times of crisis. A case study comparison between the Italian Cosa Nostra and the Central American Maras groups indicate similar motivations and cross-border trajectories between the United States and their respective homelands. This research synthesizes how connectivity to the state authorities, local community, and fellow members can enhance an organization's ability to adapt to disruptions regardless of origin or cultural differences. By shedding light on one facet of criminal mobility, these findings are a call to action for further understanding of the intersects between politics and crime, such that contributions in academia may eventually influence policy.