New Mexico Magistrate Judge Jose “Joel” Cano abruptly resigned after authorities arrested a suspected member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang living on his property, exposing a web of connections that has raised serious questions about the judge’s judgment and potential legal implications.
Quick Takes
- Democratic Judge Jose “Joel” Cano resigned after ICE arrested Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member, living in a casita behind his Las Cruces, New Mexico residence.
- Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela, entered the U.S. in December 2023 and was briefly detained before being released due to overcrowding.
- Photos and videos showed Ortega-Lopez and Judge Cano together at a gun range where the undocumented immigrant handled firearms, despite being legally prohibited from doing so.
- Ortega-Lopez’s phone contained disturbing images of decapitated and mutilated bodies, and a cache of weapons was discovered at the home of Judge Cano’s stepdaughter.
- The U.S. government has designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization, raising serious national security questions about the judge’s associations.
The Arrest and Resignation
Federal agents executed search warrants at a home owned by Judge Jose “Joel” Cano and his wife Nancy in Las Cruces, New Mexico. During the operation, they arrested 23-year-old Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a Venezuelan national who had entered the United States illegally in December 2023. Ortega-Lopez, suspected of membership in the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, was living in a casita behind the judge’s residence and had listed Cano’s address on an immigration relief request form.
Just days after the arrest, Judge Cano submitted his resignation letter. In his resignation, Cano avoided addressing the controversy, instead writing, “Working with each of you has been a very rewarding experience for which I will remain eternally grateful.” His departure ended a career that began when he was first elected as a Democrat to the magistrate position in 2010, having previously served as a police officer.
READ NOW: New Mexico Democrat Judge Resigns After ICE Arrests Alleged Tren de Aragua Gang Member in His Home — A Democrat judge in New Mexico resigned from his bench last month after immigration agents arrested an alleged Tren de Aragua gang…https://t.co/gr2EiUS07z
— Top News by CPAC (@TopNewsbyCPAC) April 20, 2025
Dangerous Connections Uncovered
The investigation into Ortega-Lopez revealed disturbing details about his relationship with the judge’s family. Social media photos and videos showed Ortega-Lopez and Judge Cano together, including visits to a gun range where the undocumented immigrant handled firearms despite being legally prohibited from doing so. This evidence directly contradicted U.S. Magistrate Judge Damian Martinez’s initial assessment that Cano “would just let anybody live in his property.”
Further investigation uncovered a cache of weapons at the home of April Cano, Nancy Cano’s daughter, who allegedly allowed Ortega-Lopez to use her firearms. Perhaps most disturbing was the discovery of images of decapitated and mutilated bodies on Ortega-Lopez’s cell phone, suggesting possible direct involvement with the extremely violent Tren de Aragua gang known for brutal criminal activities throughout South America and increasingly within the United States.
Broader Security Implications
Ortega-Lopez’s case highlights growing concerns about the infiltration of dangerous transnational gangs into the United States through the southern border. Homeland Security began investigating Ortega-Lopez in January, leading to his arrest as part of a broader operation targeting illegal firearm possession that resulted in the detention of four Venezuelan nationals. Ortega-Lopez now faces a federal charge of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Ortega-Lopez admitted to entering the U.S. illegally in December 2023 and was briefly detained before being released due to overcrowding in detention facilities. He currently remains in custody without bond for violating federal immigration laws. While U.S. Magistrate Judge Damian Martinez initially considered releasing Ortega-Lopez, prosecutors successfully appealed the decision, keeping the suspected gang member detained as his case proceeds through the legal system.
Aftermath and Next Steps
The New Mexico Supreme Court has scheduled a public hearing concerning Judge Cano, despite his resignation. “The Supreme Court has scheduled an oral argument which is public and will be live streamed, concerning Judge Cano,” confirmed court spokesman Barry Massey. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Cano’s term, which was set to run until 2026.
The case has drawn national attention as it intersects with ongoing debates about border security, illegal immigration, and the growing presence of transnational criminal organizations within American communities. For residents of Doña Ana County who trusted Judge Cano to uphold the law, his apparent connection to a suspected member of a terrorist organization has raised profound questions about judgment and accountability in the justice system.
Sources:
Dem judge resigns after ICE arrests suspected Tren de Aragua gangster at his home
Who Is Joel Cano? Judge Resigns After Migrant Found at His Home
New Mexico judge resigns after alleged TdA member arrested at his home
