Ex-Judge, Wife Arrested for Harboring Alleged Gang Member

Former New Mexico Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, were arrested by federal agents for allegedly harboring Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected member of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang, in their Las Cruces home. Ortega-Lopez, who illegally entered the U.S. in December 2023, was initially hired for home repairs and later offered accommodation by the Canos. Authorities found evidence of Ortega-Lopez's gang affiliation, including clothing, tattoos, and social media posts featuring firearms reportedly belonging to the Canos' daughter. The Canos face charges of evidence tampering and conspiracy, while Ortega-Lopez is charged federally for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. The case has gained national attention as the Trump administration designated the Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization and increased efforts to apprehend its members. Joel Cano resigned from his judicial position before his arrest and is now permanently barred from holding judicial office in New Mexico.