PENNINGTON COUNTY, SD — An illegal immigrant wanted for murder in El Salvador was arrested by the South Dakota Highway Patrol (SDHP) and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Wednesday morning.
“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,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We will continue to work closely with our federal counterparts to protect the people of South Dakota.”
SDHP, working in coordination with ICE, conducted the traffic stop on Haines Avenue near the intersection of Van Buren Street in Rapid City. 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 detained without incident.
Manuel De Jesus Rodriguez-Lopez was arrested on a homicide warrant issued in El Salvador and for immigration-related violations. Josue Alfredo Navarro Lopez was arrested on immigration-related violations. A third individual was confirmed to be lawfully present in the United States and was released.
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.
