Unrest Grows Over Judge’s Role Following Notorious Suspect’s Apprehension

A New Mexico judge has abruptly resigned after ICE agents arrested a suspected Venezuelan gang member who was living in a dwelling on his property, raising serious questions about their relationship and the judge’s judgment.

Key Takeaways

Democratic Magistrate Judge Jose “Joel” Cano resigned after a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua gang was arrested at his Las Cruces residence.
The suspect, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023 and was living in a casita behind Cano’s home.
Photos showed Ortega-Lopez handling firearms at gun ranges, and his phone contained disturbing images of decapitated bodies.
Weapons were found at the home of Cano’s stepdaughter, who allegedly allowed the illegal immigrant to use her firearms.
Tren de Aragua has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. government.

Judge’s Sudden Resignation Follows Gang Member Arrest

Jose “Joel” Cano, a Democratic magistrate judge in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, submitted his resignation after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan national and suspected member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. Ortega-Lopez was apprehended on February 28 at a small house behind the judge’s Las Cruces home. The timing of Cano’s resignation has raised eyebrows, as it came shortly after the arrest became public knowledge.

Ortega-Lopez had entered the United States illegally in December 2023 and was briefly detained before being released due to overcrowding. He subsequently took up residence at the property owned by Cano and his wife Nancy. Adding to the controversy, Ortega-Lopez had listed Judge Cano’s address as his residence in an immigration relief request, suggesting a relationship beyond that of a casual tenant.

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

Disturbing Evidence and Weapons Charges

The investigation into Ortega-Lopez revealed troubling details that have shocked the community. Social media photos and videos showed the suspected gang member handling firearms at gun ranges, sometimes in the company of Judge Cano. During the operation, authorities discovered a cache of weapons at the home of April Cano, Nancy Cano’s daughter, who allegedly allowed Ortega-Lopez access to her firearms despite his illegal immigration status.

Perhaps most disturbing, investigators found images of decapitated and mutilated bodies on Ortega-Lopez’s cell phone, reinforcing suspicions about his ties to the Tren de Aragua gang. The violent Venezuelan prison gang has been spreading throughout the Americas and was recently designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. government.

Legal Proceedings and Political Implications

Ortega-Lopez now 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 the decision. The suspect remains in custody without bond for violating federal immigration laws. Three other Venezuelan nationals were also arrested during the same operation targeting illegal firearm possession.

The New Mexico Supreme Court have scheduled a public hearing concerning Judge Cano which will be live-streamed. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will now appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Cano’s term, which runs until 2026. Cano, a former police officer who first ran for the magistrate position as a Democrat in 2010, had been re-elected unopposed multiple times, including in 2022.

Growing Concerns About Criminal Gang Activity

The arrest highlights growing concerns about the Tren de Aragua gang’s presence in the United States. Homeland Security began investigating Ortega-Lopez in January after receiving information about his possible gang affiliations. The gang, which originated in a Venezuelan prison, has expanded its operations across borders and is involved in various criminal activities including human trafficking, drug smuggling, extortion, and violent crimes.

The case has sparked intense debate about border security and vetting procedures for immigrants entering the country. It also raises serious questions about the judgment of elected officials who may knowingly harbor individuals with questionable legal status or criminal connections. As the investigation continues, more details may emerge about the nature of the relationship between Judge Cano and the suspected gang member who resided on his property.