Raymond Avila (Richard Yñiguez) is a young Mexican-American trying to resist the lure of street gangs in East Los Angeles. Raymond's brother, Chuco (Danny De La Paz), has been less successful; despite Raymond's attempts to steer him clear, Chuco finds a sense of belonging by being part of a gang. As Raymond's relationship with his girlfriend (Marta Du Bois) deepens, he takes steps toward building himself a future. But all that is thrown into jeopardy when tragedy strikes and a gang war erupts.