US | Antonio Martinez Why Are More Latinos Converting to Radical Islam? Antonio Martinez is the latest troubling case By Evann Gastaldo Posted Dec 9, 2010 7:31 AM CST Copied Jose Padilla is shown in this undated file photo. (AP Photo/NBC News, File) The FBI's arrest of alleged would-be terrorist Antonio Martinez highlights a growing concern among US officials: Why are more Latinos converting to radical Islam? The question is especially important because Latino converts are being radicalized in the US—and al-Qaeda appears to be specifically recruiting them, because they can move around the country without suspicion, NPR reports. Martinez isn't the first. Jose Padilla trained with al-Qaeda, Daniel Maldonado joined an al-Qaeda affiliate in Somalia, Bryant Neal Vinas found himself in al-Qaeda's inner circle, and Carlos Almonte was arrested as he allegedly planned to join another terrorist group in Somalia. Some are radicalized via the Internet, but a growing number convert while in prison. Says one expert, "I think that it is in that intersection with prison radicalization, gang culture, religious zealotry that you have a potential problem." Click for more on Antonio Martinez. Read These Next Trump explains the 'big present' from Iran. USPS just added an unprecedented surcharge. Woman hiking in California killed by rattlesnake bite. Hegseth takes rank off chaplains' uniforms. Report an error