Carlos "La Sombra" Torres-Irriarte created the Neta's while serving time in the Rio Pedras Prison in Puerto Rico in 1970. He started the gang to stop the feuding gangs in prison. In Puetro Rico when a baby is born traditional Puerto Ricans would exult "Neta, Neta!" Carlos used the name for his newly formed organization. Some believe that Neta stands for Never Tolerate Abuse. Neta stresses national Puerto Rican pride.

Members identify with the colors red, white and blue. Black is sometimes substituted for blue. These colors can be seen in their bead necklaces and their clothing. Probationary members wear all white beads until they are considered loyal; then, they can wear black beads among the white, plus one red one. Members usually display the Puerto Rican flag and are known to carry Neta identification cards. The Neta emblem is a heart pierced by two crossing Puerto Rican flags with a shackled right hand with the middle and index fingers crossed. Members salute each other by holding the crossed fingers of their right hand over their heart. This hand signal has the meaning "N" in sign language; it also means togetherness and unity.

The Netas have a stronghold in large cities across the United States. Their presence can be found in most correctional institutions across the county and in Puerto Rico.

Although members commonly engage in criminal activity for the benefit of the gang, they use the façade that the group is merely a cultural organization. They have strong ties to several other street gangs and many members also claim allegiance to Los Macheteros, a revolutionary group fighting for independence of Puerto Rico. Members see themselves as oppressed people who are unwillingly to be governed by the United States. Any disrespect shown to an individual Neta member is looked upon as disrespect to the group and is usually dealt with violently. Members are required to procure 20 perspective recruits and all come together in observance of their fallen members on the 30th of each month.