What are some problems that are faced in the book Always Running by Luis J Rodriguez?

One problem that Luis notes in his autobiography is that most of the earliest gangs were called clubs or cliques, and that they were born of necessity. He says that most young men needed to belong to some larger group for protection. That gang membership becomes vital for survival. Luis and several who live in an area that is physically located between two gang turfs are told that they have to choose a side. As it's stated, if they don't belong to one or the other, both will continue to hassle them.

This need to survive seems to be secondary to the willing following of any gang-related activity. Luis notes that during the time he lives in the garage, he's easily accessible. For that reason, he's often called on to participate in gang retaliation raids.

This sense of belonging remains and security remains only as long as the gang member follows the rules of gang conduct. The moment Luis objects to a raid against the Sangras, he's in trouble with the gang. While he wants to make the point that the gangs have a bigger battle to fight than each other, he isn't heard. In that case, though Luis felt he wanted to do what was right for his fellow gang members, they were unable to see that point and Luis becomes an outcast. It should be noted that this need to belong sometimes seems to stifle individuality.