A former magistrate judge's sudden resignation in Las Cruces, New Mexico, has led to a series of dramatic events involving alleged connections to a Venezuelan terrorist organization.
According to Breitbart, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials arrested former Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife Nancy at their Las Cruces residence on Thursday following the discovery of their alleged involvement with members of the Tren de Aragua gang.
The arrests came after ICE agents found Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan national with suspected ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, living on the Canos' property. Ortega-Lopez, who entered the United States illegally through Eagle Pass, Texas, in December 2023, was discovered to be in possession of multiple firearms and ammunition.
Joel Cano's fall from grace marks a stark contrast to his previous 23-year career with the Las Cruces Police Department. After serving as a magistrate judge since 2010, his career came to an abrupt end following the ICE raid that exposed his alleged connection to the gang member.
The New Mexico Supreme Court has taken decisive action, ruling that Cano can never again hold judicial office in the state. The couple is currently being held without bond at the Dona Ana County Detention Center, with Joel charged with tampering with evidence and Nancy facing conspiracy to tamper charges.
Federal investigators uncovered disturbing evidence linking Ortega-Lopez to gang activities, including social media posts showing him at shooting ranges with various firearms, including AR-15-style rifles equipped with suppressors.
Further investigation revealed that additional firearms were discovered in a neighboring property owned by Nancy Cano's daughter. Social media evidence showed Ortega-Lopez displaying Tren de Aragua gang tattoos, a particularly concerning detail given the organization's recent designation as a foreign terrorist organization by President Trump and the State Department.
Ortega-Lopez's presence in the United States stems from the overcrowding crisis at the Eagle Pass detention facility, which led to his release just three days after his illegal entry. His case highlights ongoing concerns about border security and the handling of detained migrants.
The Venezuelan national was documented handling multiple weapons, including semi-automatic pistols and rifles. Investigators found videos showing him operating firearms with concerning proficiency, including reloading techniques.
ICE officials executed both a search warrant and a probable cause warrant at the Canos' residence, leading to their arrests. The timing of Joel Cano's resignation, just one week before his arrest, has raised questions about his knowledge of the impending law enforcement action.
The case has attracted significant attention from federal authorities, particularly due to the Tren de Aragua gang's recent designation as a Transnational Criminal Organization. The involvement of a former judge and law enforcement officer adds another layer of complexity to the investigation.
Ortega-Lopez remains in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for April 30 in the New Mexico District Court. Prosecutors argue he presents a significant flight risk.
Joel and Nancy Cano's arrest represents a significant development in the fight against transnational criminal organizations. The former magistrate judge and his wife were taken into custody at their Las Cruces home, facing charges related to harboring a member of the Tren de Aragua gang, which has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization. The investigation continues as authorities examine potential additional charges, including harboring an illegal alien and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
