Jose Reyes Jovel/El Salvador/Homicide

Salvadoran national Jose Miguel Reyes Jovel, a validated MS‑13 gang member, has been identified as having a U.S. criminal record that includes homicide, drug trafficking, and the sale of amphetamines. A detailed analysis of Operation Metro Surge describes Reyes Jovel as a high‑priority target whose prior U.S. convictions involve lethal violence and commercial‑level narcotics activity. He was arrested in Minnesota after federal authorities coordinated with state prison officials to assume custody as part of a broader crackdown on transnational gang members.

Reports on the operation emphasize that Reyes Jovel also has an aggravated homicide arrest in El Salvador, underscoring his profile as a cross‑border violent offender. His capture in Minnesota places him back in federal custody, where officials are pursuing immigration enforcement steps that could remove him from the United States following completion of any remaining criminal obligations.