A New Mexico Democrat judge abruptly resigned after federal agents raided his property and arrested an illegal immigrant gang member living in a structure behind his home with multiple firearms.
Key Insights
- Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano resigned following the arrest of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan national living illegally on his property
- Ortega-Lopez, a suspected member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, was found in possession of multiple firearms despite his illegal status
- Ortega-Lopez had previously been apprehended by Border Patrol in 2023 but was released due to overcrowded detention facilities
- Social media evidence shows Ortega-Lopez with firearms and socializing with Judge Cano and his wife
- Cano, a former police officer who had served as judge since 2010, offered no explanation for his resignation in his departure letter
Federal Raid Uncovers Armed Gang Member on Judge’s Property
Federal agents recently uncovered a troubling situation at the residence of Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Jose “Joel” Cano when they arrested Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan national residing on the judge’s property. Ortega-Lopez, who was living in what court documents describe as a “casita” behind the judge’s home, is reportedly affiliated with the dangerous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The arrest culminated in Judge Cano’s immediate resignation from his position, a role he had held since 2011 after being first elected in 2010.
Ortega-Lopez had initially been apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in December 2023 but was subsequently released due to overcrowding in detention facilities. During the recent federal raid, agents discovered him in possession of multiple firearms, despite his status as an illegal immigrant making such possession a serious federal crime. The discovery of weapons raises significant concerns about public safety, particularly given Ortega-Lopez’s alleged gang connections and his close proximity to a sitting judge’s residence.
BREAKING: DEMOCRAT NEW MEXICO JUDGE RESIGNS AFTER HOMELAND SECURITY ARRESTS TREN DE ARAGUA DESIGNATED TERRORIST LIVING AT JUDGE'S HOME!
The Longtime Doña Ana County Judge Joel Cano, A Democrat Has Abruptly Resigned After Federal Agents Arrested Alleged Violent Venezuelan Tren De… pic.twitter.com/TGsPbOGims— John Basham (@JohnBasham) April 19, 2025
Personal Connections and Concerning Evidence
Court documents reveal that Ortega-Lopez had become acquainted with the Cano family after meeting the judge’s wife, Nancy, while working as a handyman. This seemingly innocent connection evolved into a more concerning relationship, as evidenced by social media posts showing Ortega-Lopez socializing with both Judge Cano and his wife. More troublingly, additional social media content shows Ortega-Lopez posing with and firing firearms, activities strictly prohibited for individuals residing illegally in the United States.
“Working with each of you has been a very rewarding experience for which I will remain eternally grateful,” Cano wrote.
Federal investigators recovered four firearms from a neighboring property owned by April Cano, identified as Nancy Cano’s daughter. Ortega-Lopez reportedly admitted to possessing and firing these weapons. The legal ramifications are severe – he now faces charges of unlawfully possessing firearms or ammunition as an illegal alien, which carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison. Federal prosecutors have filed motions arguing that Ortega-Lopez presents both a flight risk and a danger to the community due to his gang affiliations.
Abrupt Resignation Raises Questions
Judge Cano’s resignation letter, notably sparse on details, offered no explanation for his sudden departure from the bench. The timing, however, directly following Ortega-Lopez’s arrest, has fueled speculation about the judge’s knowledge of or potential involvement in the situation. As a former police officer and longtime judge who had been re-elected unopposed in several elections, Cano’s unexpected resignation marks a dramatic end to his judicial career under circumstances that raise significant questions about judgment and oversight.
The case has drawn attention to border security concerns under President Trump’s administration, which has prioritized addressing gang-related illegal immigration. Ortega-Lopez appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Damian Martinez on charges related to firearm possession as an illegal alien. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full extent of Ortega-Lopez’s activities and any potential knowledge Judge Cano may have had regarding the illegal resident and firearms on his property.
