A New Mexico judge resigned after a suspected member of a terrorist organization was arrested at his property, raising serious questions about the judge’s knowledge of the illegal immigrant’s criminal connections.
Key Takeaways
- Judge Jose “Joel” Cano, a Democrat magistrate in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, resigned after ICE arrested a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member living on his property.
- The suspect, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, is a 23-year-old Venezuelan illegal immigrant who entered the U.S. in December 2023 and was released due to overcrowding.
- Social media evidence showed Ortega-Lopez handling firearms at a gun range with Judge Cano present, despite his illegal status prohibiting firearm possession.
- A cache of weapons was discovered at the home of Judge Cano’s stepdaughter, who allegedly allowed Ortega-Lopez to use her firearms.
- Ortega-Lopez’s phone contained disturbing images of decapitated and mutilated bodies, and he currently faces federal charges for illegal firearm possession.
Illegal Immigrant with Gang Ties Found Living on Judge’s Property
Judge Jose “Joel” Cano, a Democrat magistrate in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, submitted his resignation following the arrest of a suspected terrorist organization member at his residence. The arrest occurred on February 28 when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan national believed to be associated with the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. Ortega-Lopez had been living in a casita behind the home owned by Judge Cano and his wife Nancy in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Homeland Security investigators began looking into Ortega-Lopez in January after discovering he had entered the United States illegally in December 2023. Despite initial detention, he was released due to overcrowding in detention facilities. During immigration proceedings, Ortega-Lopez listed Judge Cano’s address as his residence in an application for immigration relief. This connection raised immediate concerns among federal authorities about the judge’s potential involvement with the suspected gang member.
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
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Evidence of Firearms Access and Gang Connections
The investigation uncovered disturbing evidence linking Ortega-Lopez to weapons despite his illegal immigrant status prohibiting firearm possession. Photos and videos on social media showed Ortega-Lopez and Judge Cano together at a gun range where the Venezuelan national was handling firearms. Federal agents also discovered a cache of weapons at the home of April Cano, Nancy Cano’s daughter, who allegedly allowed Ortega-Lopez access to her firearms. Further examination of Ortega-Lopez’s cell phone revealed images of decapitated and mutilated bodies, strengthening suspicions about his gang affiliation.
The Tren de Aragua gang has been officially designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. government. President Donald Trump’s administration made this designation, describing the organization as having “thousands of members, many of whom have unlawfully infiltrated the United States and are conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States.” Ortega-Lopez was one of four Venezuelans arrested in a broader operation targeting illegal firearm possession.
Judge’s Resignation and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
In his resignation letter, Cano made no direct reference to the arrest or investigation, instead writing, “Working with each of you has been a very rewarding experience for which I will remain eternally grateful.” He further added, “All the best to everyone of you, I wish all of you a happy retirement once you are ready yourself.”
The New Mexico Supreme Court had scheduled a public hearing regarding Judge Cano according to court spokesman Barry Massey. “The Supreme Court has scheduled an oral argument on April 24, which is public and will be live streamed, concerning Judge Cano,” Massey stated. Following Cano’s resignation, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of his term until 2026. Cano, a former police officer, had first run for the magistrate position as a Democrat in 2010 and was re-elected unopposed multiple times, including in 2022.
Ortega-Lopez remains in custody without bond for violating federal immigration laws and faces a federal charge of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. Magistrate Judge Damian Martinez initially considered releasing him, but prosecutors successfully appealed that decision. The case continues to highlight concerns about border security and the infiltration of dangerous gang members into American communities.
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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
