Gang Tattoos Vanish Inside Kane County Jail

Whether etched on a knuckle, a back or a face, even the smallest gang tattoo can serve as a walking billboard for a life some Kane County inmates have left behind.

A tiny crown inked onto a cheek or a tear drop placed beneath the eye can make former gang members targets, long after they’ve decided to leave the lifestyle.

“The minute they get out (of jail) they want those things gone,” said tattoo artist Chris Baker, who founded the non-profit ministry Ink 180 nearly a decade ago. “They can’t even get a job at McDonald’s with tattoos on their face. It’s hard to live a straight life when you get out.”

The Ink 180 mission is to remove tattoos on former gang members and sex trafficking victims in order to give them a better life.

The organization has provided more than $1 million in free tattoo removal and changed the lives of approximately 7,600 people as a result.

Now, instead of waiting for inmates to be released, Baker is taking his ministry inside the Kane County jail every Tuesday to cover-up unwanted tattoos. He said he hopes the removal will allow inmates to hit the ground running upon release.

“They may have done some things in the past —some terrible things— but I believe as a man of faith that these were mistakes, and not life sentences,” Baker said.

The removals haven’t pleased everyone though. Gang members, angry that Baker was removing their representation, have issued death threats against the tattoo artist.

“I’m not phased by it. I know why I do what I do and I won’t be stopped from doing it,” he said.

Sometimes, even his own clients push back against the process. Still, Baker said he treats each person sitting in his chair with respect. He knows first hand the impact of leading a gang life, and has removed many tattoos from his own friends.

“I’ve had many second chances in life and I want everyone to know that feeling,” Baker said. Past clients of his have gone on to start organizations of their own which aim to help keep people out of gangs and out of jail.

“That’s worth more than any amount of money I could be paid,” the proud artist said.

Instead of cash, he encourages his clients to pay it forward and to help someone else in their community.

“Wearing evidence of their old life on them is dangerous, not only for them but for their families,” Baker said. “We just want to keep people alive and help them change.”

To read more about Ink 180, or to donate to the organization, click here.