A shocking arrest at a New Mexico judge’s home has led to his abrupt resignation. On February 28, 2025, federal agents apprehended a suspected member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang at the residence of Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano.
Just The News reported that Cano, a magistrate judge since 2011, stepped down on March 3, 2025, days after the arrest at his home. Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old illegal immigrant, was detained during a federal search of the property. Authorities allege Ortega-Lopez has ties to the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
The events unfolded when Homeland Security Investigations, a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, executed a search warrant at Cano’s residence.
Ortega-Lopez, who faces federal firearm charges, was arrested on the scene. He is now held without bond at the Doña Ana County Detention Center.
Ortega-Lopez, originally from El Paso, Texas, had a prior connection to Cano’s wife, Nancy Cano. He met Nancy while performing construction work, and she offered him a place to stay in a guest house behind the family’s home. This arrangement has sparked questions about the judgment of those in positions of trust.
Neither Joel Cano nor Nancy Cano has issued public statements about the incident. The lack of transparency has fueled speculation among residents. Many are concerned about the implications of a judicial figure’s household being linked to a suspected gang member.
Cano’s resignation letter, reported by the Albuquerque Journal, expressed gratitude but did not explain his departure. “Working with each of you has been a very rewarding experience,” Cano wrote. The vague statement has done little to quell public unease.
The arrest highlights the growing presence of Tren de Aragua, a gang known for its brutal tactics, in the United States.
Federal law enforcement’s involvement underscores the severity of the allegations against Ortega-Lopez. His status as an illegal immigrant has reignited debates over border enforcement policies.
Doña Ana County, located near the U.S.-Mexico border, has faced increasing scrutiny for its handling of immigration-related issues.
The incident at Cano’s home has amplified calls for stronger measures to prevent criminal elements from crossing into American communities. Residents are demanding answers from county officials.
Cano’s long tenure as a magistrate judge, spanning over a decade, had earned him respect in some circles. However, this scandal threatens to overshadow his career. The community is left grappling with the fallout of a trusted official’s sudden exit.
The timing of Cano’s resignation, just days after the arrest, suggests a direct link to the incident. While no charges have been filed against Cano or his wife, the optics are troubling. Public trust in the judiciary has taken a significant hit.
Ortega-Lopez’s detention without bond reflects the seriousness of the federal firearm charges he faces. Authorities have not disclosed additional details about his alleged gang activities. The ongoing investigation keeps the case in the spotlight.
Residents of Doña Ana County are voicing frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding the事件. Many feel that Cano’s silence and swift resignation raise more questions than answers. They are calling for a thorough probe into the circumstances that allowed a suspected gang member to reside at a judge’s property.
The Tren de Aragua gang’s reputed violence and criminal reach make this case particularly alarming. Its emergence in New Mexico signals a troubling expansion of foreign criminal networks. Conservatives argue that lax border policies have emboldened such groups to operate with impunity.