A shocking betrayal of justice unfolded in Las Cruces, New Mexico, as a former judge and his wife were arrested for allegedly protecting a dangerous gang member, Breitbart reported on Thursday.
Joel Cano, once a Dona Ana County Magistrate Judge, and his wife, Nancy, were apprehended on April 24, 2025, accused of harboring Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang.
This Venezuelan gang, labeled a foreign terrorist organization by President Donald Trump in 2025, has instilled fear across borders. The couple’s arrest followed a dramatic ICE raid on their home, exposing their alleged ties to criminal activity.
Cano, who served as a magistrate judge since 2010, had a long career in law enforcement, including 23 years with the Las Cruces Police Department. His fall from grace began when he resigned his judicial post just days before the raid. The New Mexico Supreme Court, acting swiftly, banned him from ever holding judicial office again on April 22, 2025.
ICE agents stormed the Cano residence on April 24, 2025, armed with a search warrant and probable cause. They arrested Joel Cano for tampering with evidence and Nancy Cano for conspiracy to tamper with evidence. Both were booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center that evening, held without bond.
During the raid, agents apprehended Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan migrant, on firearms-related charges. He had illegally crossed into the U.S. at Eagle Pass, Texas, in December 2023, only to be released days later due to overcrowded detention facilities. This lapse allowed him to allegedly continue his criminal activities unchecked.
Federal prosecutors allege Ortega-Lopez is a member of the Tren de Aragua gang, a group known for its violent operations. Social media evidence obtained by the U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed Ortega-Lopez flaunting gang tattoos and posing with firearms. These images painted a chilling picture of his dangerous affiliations.
Disturbing videos showed Ortega-Lopez at a shooting range, firing an AR-15 rifle equipped with a suppressor. He reloaded and continued shooting, displaying a brazen disregard for the law. Photos also captured him wielding a semi-automatic pistol, further implicating him in illegal activities.
Additional firearms were discovered in a neighboring home owned by Nancy Cano’s daughter. Ortega-Lopez was seen possessing several of these weapons, raising questions about the extent of the Cano family’s involvement. The couple’s actions suggest a deliberate effort to shield a known criminal from justice.
Prosecutors have labeled Ortega-Lopez a flight risk, citing his alleged gang ties and illegal status. He remains in custody at the Dona Ana County Detention Center, awaiting a court appearance on April 30, 2025. His arrest underscores the growing threat posed by unchecked illegal immigration and gang activity.
Joel Cano’s arrest is a stark reminder of corruption within trusted institutions. His decades of service in law enforcement and the judiciary made his alleged actions all the more shocking. The charges of tampering with evidence point to an attempt to obstruct justice at the highest levels.
Nancy Cano’s role in the conspiracy further deepens the scandal. Her charge of conspiracy to tamper with evidence suggests a coordinated effort to protect Ortega-Lopez. The couple’s decision to harbor a suspected terrorist gang member has left the community reeling.
The raid on February 28, 2025, marked the first time Ortega-Lopez was arrested at the Cano residence. This earlier encounter with law enforcement failed to deter the Canos from their alleged criminal support. Their persistence in shielding Ortega-Lopez raises serious questions about their motives.
It remains unclear whether Joel and Nancy Cano will face additional charges for harboring an illegal alien or supporting a terrorist organization. The severity of their actions, if proven, could lead to significant legal consequences. The ongoing investigation will likely reveal more about their ties to Ortega-Lopez.
The Tren de Aragua gang’s designation as a foreign terrorist organization highlights the national security implications of this case. President Trump’s decisive action in 2025 to label the gang as such has brought renewed focus to border security. The Cano case serves as a warning of the dangers posed by lax immigration policies.