New Mexico Judge Resigns Amid Allegations of Harboring Gang Member

Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano, a Democrat and former police officer, resigned after federal agents arrested Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an alleged member of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, at his home. Ortega-Lopez, who entered the U.S. illegally and was released due to overcrowding at a Texas facility, later moved into a casita behind the judge’s house after being hired for handyman work by Cano's wife. Prosecutors allege that Cano and his family allowed Ortega-Lopez access to firearms and even let him use their address for immigration paperwork, despite his unauthorized status. Social media evidence surfaced showing Ortega-Lopez and other undocumented individuals handling firearms at shooting ranges, with some images displaying gang tattoos and graphic violence. The incident raised concerns about the judge’s judgment and possible illegal conduct, given the accused gang member’s ties to a foreign terrorist organization and the Cano family’s involvement. Judge Cano did not specify the arrest as the reason for his resignation, but the timing strongly suggests a connection.