The Sicilian Mafia has a long and storied history across the United States and especially in New York City. 

While Americans have been captivated for almost a century by the Mafia's exploits in film, television, and the news, one mob heir thinks we've overlooked something.

Giovanni Gambino, son of the crime syndicate boss, thinks that the remnants of Sicilian influence in the City is the first line of defense against ISIS popping up in NYC.

Why should ISIS think twice about settling in New York neighborhoods with a Sicilian mafia history? 

Gambino thinks ISIS fears the Sicilian Mafia, which is why the island hasn't seen any terror cells develop or experienced any terror attacks.

In an interview with a Dutch radio station, Gambino said, "The Mafia and its allies are connected to neighborhoods in a meaningful way. Wherever the Sicilian influence is strong in New York, ISIS interlopers simply won't be able to set up shop."

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The rationale behind Gambino's statements? Gambino asserts, "We basically make sure our friends and families are protected from extremists and terrorists, especially the brutal, psychopathic organization that calls itself the Islamic State."

It seems that the Mafia and agencies like Homeland Security would make strange bedfellows, and there's no evidence of a direct connection or cooperation between government protections and the more grassroots style of the Mafia.

It may be true that the tight, localized connections of Sicilian-influenced neighborhoods in NYC would make it difficult for ISIS operatives to set up in "mobbed-up" neighborhoods. 

But who even said terrorists would try to move into Bensonhurst? Or even if they were before, they're certainly not going to do so now? Really?

The Mafia, as well as any other group familiar with clandestine operations, should remember: NYC is full of hiding places. 

It's good that people are keeping a look out on the neighborhood level, but the Mafia isn't there to fight terrorism. Of course, we would definitely take the New Yorkers in a street fight against terrorists. Let's just hope it never ever comes anything close to that.  

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[via Daily Mail] [Feature Image Courtesy Daily Mail]