A New Mexico magistrate judge’s career unraveled when federal agents arrested a suspected Venezuelan gang member living in his home.
Joel Cano, a Democrat serving in Dona Ana County, stepped down after the February 28, 2025, arrest of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old who entered the U.S. illegally. The incident has raised serious questions about border security and judicial accountability.
Breitbart reported that Ortega-Lopez, a Venezuelan national, crossed into the U.S. at Eagle Pass, Texas, in December 2023. Due to overcrowding at the detention facility, he was released on immigration parole just three days later.
This release occurred during what many conservatives call the Biden Border Crisis, highlighting ongoing concerns about lax enforcement.
After his release, Ortega-Lopez moved to El Paso, Texas, where he lived with five others. There, he met Nancy Cano, the judge’s wife, who hired him for construction and handyman work. Eventually, Nancy offered him a place to stay in a casita behind their New Mexico home.
Federal prosecutors now allege Ortega-Lopez is tied to Tren de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan gang. The U.S. government, under President Trump, designated the gang a foreign terrorist organization in 2025. It’s also labeled a Transnational Criminal Organization, underscoring its threat to national security.
Ortega-Lopez’s arrest came during a search warrant executed at the Cano residence. Authorities found evidence of his illegal firearm possession, a serious charge for an illegal alien. Social media posts revealed him posing with Judge Cano, raising questions about the judge’s awareness of his guest’s activities.
Court exhibits painted a disturbing picture of Ortega-Lopez’s behavior. Photos showed him at a shooting range with other illegal aliens, handling an AR-15-style rifle and a semi-automatic pistol. A video captured him firing an AR-15 equipped with a suppressor, reloading, and continuing to shoot.
Prosecutors presented images of Ortega-Lopez displaying Tren de Aragua gang tattoos. His cell phone contained graphic content, including photos of decapitated and mutilated bodies. These findings intensified concerns about the dangers posed by unchecked illegal immigration.
Additional firearms were discovered in a neighboring home owned by Nancy Cano’s daughter. Some of these weapons were ones Ortega-Lopez had been seen possessing. This discovery deepened suspicions about the extent of his criminal activities while living near the judge’s family.
Ortega-Lopez used the Cano residence as his address to file for immigration relief. This move suggested he had established a significant connection to the household. It remains unclear how much the Canos knew about his background or alleged gang affiliations.
The arrest took place on February 28, 2025, at the Cano home in Dona Ana County. Ortega-Lopez is now detained at the Dona Ana County Detention Center, facing charges for illegal firearm possession. His ties to a terrorist organization have amplified calls for stronger border policies.
Joel Cano’s resignation followed swiftly after the arrest. The incident has sparked outrage among conservatives who see it as a symptom of failed immigration enforcement. Many argue that such cases undermine public trust in the judiciary.
Nancy Cano’s role in offering Ortega-Lopez a place to live has drawn scrutiny. It’s uncertain whether she or her husband will face charges for harboring an illegal alien. The possibility of charges related to supporting a foreign terrorist organization also looms.
The case has reignited debates over border security and vetting processes for illegal immigrants. Ortega-Lopez’s release after just three days in custody exemplifies what critics call a broken system. Conservatives argue that such lapses endanger communities across the nation.