South Dakota Highway Patrol and ICE Arrest Homicide Suspect Wanted in El Salvador

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - An individual wanted for murder in El Salvador was arrested in Rapid City on Wednesday morning following a joint operation between the South Dakota Highway Patrol (SDHP) and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The arrest was made after the SDHP, working in coordination with ICE, conducted a traffic stop on Haines Avenue near the Van Buren Street intersection. ICE had identified one of the vehicle’s occupants as a suspect in a homicide case in El Salvador.

Three individuals in the vehicle were initially detained without incident.

Manuel De Jesus Rodriguez-Lopez was arrested on a homicide warrant issued in El Salvador, in addition to immigration-related violations. Josue Alfredo Navarro Lopez was also arrested on immigration-related violations. A third individual in the vehicle was confirmed to be lawfully present in the United States and was released.

Governor Larry Rhoden commended the action, stating, “South Dakota’s commitment to keeping our communities safe will not waiver. I commend the professionalism of the Highway Patrol and Homeland Security agents who located and safely took this dangerous murderer off our streets.” Rhoden added that the state will "continue to work closely with our federal counterparts to protect the people of South Dakota.”

The individuals taken into custody were transported to Homeland Security for processing. ICE will be responsible for any further investigation or additional charges. All individuals are presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

The Highway Patrol operates as an agency of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.