A startling discovery at a judge's residence in Las Cruces, New Mexico, has led to significant repercussions in the local judicial system.
According to New York Post, Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Jose "Joel" Cano submitted his resignation following a Department of Homeland Security raid that resulted in the arrest of a Venezuelan national with alleged ties to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang at his home.
The raid, which took place on February 28, led to the arrest of 23-year-old Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, who had been living in Cano's property. Federal agents also seized four firearms from the residence of Cano's daughter after obtaining search warrants based on social media evidence linking Ortega-Lopez to the Venezuelan prison gang.
Judge Cano, who had served on the bench since 2011, submitted his resignation letter on March 3, making no reference to the arrest. The Democratic judge's letter, obtained through official channels, expressed gratitude for his time serving but remained notably silent about the circumstances leading to his departure.
The state supreme court and Third Judicial District Court didn't receive Cano's formal resignation until March 31. Barry Massey, spokesperson for New Mexico's Administrative Office of the Courts, confirmed that the governor will appoint a replacement to serve through the remainder of Cano's term, which was set to end in 2026.
The timeline of events reveals that Ortega-Lopez had developed connections with Cano's family over the course of a year, initially helping the judge's wife with household maintenance tasks.
Ortega-Lopez entered the United States illegally in 2023 near Eagle Pass, Texas, climbing over a barbed-wire fence. Due to overcrowding at a US Customs and Border Patrol facility, he was released despite his unauthorized entry.
Nancy Cano, the judge's wife, offered Ortega-Lopez accommodation in their home's "casita" after he lost his apartment in El Paso. During his stay, he reportedly developed a close relationship with the judge's daughter, April Cano, who owned several firearms.
Court documents indicate that Ortega-Lopez acknowledged his awareness that his immigration status prohibited him from possessing firearms. Nevertheless, evidence suggests he had access to weapons through his connection with the judge's daughter.
Law enforcement's investigation uncovered social media images showing Ortega-Lopez with tattoos and making hand gestures associated with Tren de Aragua. Prosecutors included this evidence in their detention filing, emphasizing the security threat he posed.
From the court documents, prosecutors stated:
The Defendant is a danger to the community because he is a member of the United States designated Foreign Terrorist Organization Tren de Aragua and regularly associates with other members.
The operation that led to Ortega-Lopez's arrest was part of a larger investigation that resulted in the detention of three other Venezuelan illegal migrants.
If convicted of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm or ammunition, Ortega-Lopez faces up to 15 years in prison. The case has drawn significant attention to potential security vulnerabilities within the judicial system. The incident has sent shockwaves through New Mexico's legal community and raised questions about the relationship between public officials and undocumented immigrants. The position of magistrate judge will be included on the 2026 ballot, allowing voters to select a new permanent replacement for the role previously held by Cano.
