When federal authorities deported 238 immigrants from a Texas prison to El Salvador in March, Neri Alvarado was among them.

Many gang members have tattoos to demonstrate their allegiance. But many people with no gang ties will get inked with similar imagery, which can lead law enforcement astray.

Having spent 20 years exploring the power and permanence of tattoos, however, he’s finding the selection very difficult: “We live in a culture where everything is disposable, and it’s like, ...

and events celebrating tattoo culture. Attendees can get tattooed, participate in contests and enjoy live entertainment. The All American Tattoo Convention is returning to Fayetteville this week ...

Religious imagery and pop culture Tattoos of popular Catholic religious images, such as the Virgin of Guadalupe, praying hands and rosaries, have also been used to label people as gang members ...