A New Mexico magistrate judge abruptly resigned after ICE arrested a suspected Venezuelan gang member living on his property who possessed firearms and disturbing violent content on his phone.
Key Takeaways
- Judge Jose “Joel” Cano, a Democrat magistrate in New Mexico, resigned shortly after federal agents arrested Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member, at a casita on Cano’s property.
- Ortega-Lopez, who entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023, had photos showing him handling firearms and images of decapitated bodies on his cell phone.
- The suspect listed Judge Cano’s address on immigration documents, and social media showed the two men together, including at a gun range.
- The Tren de Aragua gang was recently designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. government.
- Investigators found a cache of weapons at the home of Judge Cano’s stepdaughter, who allegedly allowed Ortega-Lopez to use her firearms.
Judge’s Sudden Resignation Follows Gang Member’s Arrest
Magistrate Judge Jose “Joel” Cano of Doña Ana County, New Mexico, submitted his resignation following the arrest of an illegal alien being harboured on his property. This resignation came just days after federal agents arrested Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan national suspected of ties to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, at a small house behind Cano’s Las Cruces home. The property where Ortega-Lopez was staying is owned by both Joel Cano and his wife Nancy, raising serious questions about the judge’s connection to the suspected gang member.
In his resignation letter, Cano made no mention of the arrest or investigation, simply stating, “Working with each of you has been a very rewarding experience for which I will remain eternally grateful” and “All the best to everyone of you, I wish all of you a happy retirement once you are ready yourself.” Cano, a former police officer who first ran for magistrate as a Democrat in 2010 and was re-elected unopposed multiple times including in 2022, now faces scrutiny about his relationship with the suspected terrorist organization member.
READ NOW: New Mexico Democrat Judge Resigns After ICE Arrests Alleged Tren de Aragua Gang Member in His Home — A Democrat judge in New Mexico resigned from his bench last month after immigration agents arrested an alleged Tren de Aragua gang…https://t.co/gr2EiUS07z
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Venezuelan Gang Member’s Troubling Activities
Homeland Security Investigations began looking into Ortega-Lopez in January 2024, though he had entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023. After briefly being detained, he was released due to overcrowding and subsequently found his way to Cano’s property. Most troubling were discoveries made during the investigation: Ortega-Lopez’s cell phone contained images of decapitated and mutilated bodies, and photos and videos on social media showed him handling firearms alongside Judge Cano at a gun range, despite his illegal status prohibiting firearm possession.
Federal agents executed search warrants at Nancy Cano’s home on February 28, where they discovered a cache of weapons. April Cano, Nancy’s daughter, allegedly permitted Ortega-Lopez to use her firearms. The suspect faces a federal charge of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Initially, Judge Martinez considered releasing Ortega-Lopez, but prosecutors successfully appealed this decision, and he remains in custody without bond for violating federal immigration laws.
Broader Implications of Tren de Aragua Presence
The case highlights growing concerns about the Tren de Aragua gang’s infiltration into the United States. Recently designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, the Venezuelan gang has established a presence in several American cities. Ortega-Lopez was arrested alongside three other Venezuelans in a broader operation targeting illegal firearm possession, raising alarms about coordinated criminal activity among illegal entrants with gang affiliations.
The New Mexico Supreme Court has scheduled a public hearing concerning Judge Cano which will be live-streamed. Court spokesman Barry Massey confirmed the hearing remains on the calendar despite Cano’s resignation. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will now appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Cano’s term until 2026. Meanwhile, federal investigators continue examining the relationship between the former judge and the suspected gang member who found shelter on his property.
Sources:
Dem judge resigns after ICE arrests suspected Tren de Aragua gangster at his home
Who Is Joel Cano? Judge Resigns After Migrant Found at His Home
New Mexico judge resigns after alleged TdA member arrested at his home
