Judge Joel Cano, a Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge in New Mexico, resigned on March 3, 2025, shortly after federal agents arrested Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan national suspected of ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, at a residence owned by Cano and his wife, Nancy, on February 28, 2025. Ortega-Lopez was charged with federal firearm offenses as an illegal alien in possession of firearms and ammunition. Although Cano’s resignation letter did not explicitly state a reason for stepping down, the timing strongly suggests it was prompted by the arrest and the subsequent scrutiny of his family’s association with Ortega-Lopez.
Court documents and social media evidence revealed that Ortega-Lopez lived in a “casita” behind the Canos’ home after meeting Nancy Cano while working as a handyman. He was allowed to use the Canos’ address for an immigration relief request and was seen socializing with the family, including handling firearms owned by April Cano, the judge’s stepdaughter. Prosecutors highlighted Ortega-Lopez’s alleged gang affiliations, visible gang tattoos, and disturbing images on his phone, raising questions about the Canos’ judgment. While there is no evidence Cano was aware of Ortega-Lopez’s alleged gang ties, the incident drew significant public and legal attention, likely pressuring Cano to resign. Authorities are investigating whether Cano or his wife could face charges related to harboring an illegal alien or providing material support to a criminal organization.
Court documents and social media evidence revealed that Ortega-Lopez lived in a “casita” behind the Canos’ home after meeting Nancy Cano while working as a handyman. He was allowed to use the Canos’ address for an immigration relief request and was seen socializing with the family, including handling firearms owned by April Cano, the judge’s stepdaughter. Prosecutors highlighted Ortega-Lopez’s alleged gang affiliations, visible gang tattoos, and disturbing images on his phone, raising questions about the Canos’ judgment. While there is no evidence Cano was aware of Ortega-Lopez’s alleged gang ties, the incident drew significant public and legal attention, likely pressuring Cano to resign. Authorities are investigating whether Cano or his wife could face charges related to harboring an illegal alien or providing material support to a criminal organization.