What is the main conflict in Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A by Luis J. Rodriguez?

As the book opens, he is a nine-year-old boy, facing the move back to Mexico with his mother upon the breakup of his parents. Luis says that he goes wherever he's told, and that it makes no difference. Over the coming years, he will lament his lack of control over anything, including his own life. The realization that he has control comes suddenly, when a walkout he's staged is canceled for an assembly. He admits that his walkout doesn't happen, but notes that he assembly happens because of his actions.

The other main point of age and maturity comes through encounters with other gang members. Early on, Luis says that he finds he has to follow his fellow gang members, and to back them regardless of their actions. This is evident as he participate in robberies, burglaries, beatings and the firebombing of a house. Then comes the day Luis refuses to take a hit of a cigarette laced with PCP. He notes that others also refuse, following his lead. He's heady with the knowledge that his action had an impact, but is immediately faced with expulsion from the gang. He comes to realize that there's nothing to keep him on the streets and that the only way to escape it is to leave, which he does.