A New Mexico judge and his wife were arrested by ICE after allegedly harboring a Venezuelan gang member on their property and providing him with firearms, leading to the judge’s resignation and permanent ban from the bench.
At a Glance
- Former New Mexico magistrate judge Joel Cano and his wife Nancy were arrested for allegedly harboring Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a Tren de Aragua gang member, in their guest house
- Cano resigned in March and is permanently barred from serving as a judge in New Mexico following a Judicial Standards Commission investigation
- Federal agents seized multiple firearms during raids on properties linked to the Cano family
- Ortega-Lopez, who entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023, faces up to 15 years in prison for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm
- The investigation began after an anonymous tip to the Department of Homeland Security
Judge Resigns After Gang Member Found Living On Property
In a shocking case that highlights the consequences of America’s border crisis, former Doña Ana County magistrate judge Joel Cano and his wife Nancy have been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following allegations they harbored a member of the notorious Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. The controversy, which began with a Homeland Security raid in February, led to Cano’s resignation in March and a permanent ban from serving on the bench in New Mexico. This case represents yet another disturbing example of how our nation’s porous borders are allowing dangerous criminal elements to infiltrate American communities.
According to court documents, the Canos provided housing for Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, “an illegal alien from Venezuela and a suspected member of a criminal gang” who was found “residing with other illegal aliens” and “in possession of firearms.” The investigation began after an anonymous tip to the Department of Homeland Security in January, leading to the discovery of Ortega-Lopez and other undocumented individuals living in a guest house on property owned by the Canos. The couple reportedly hired Ortega-Lopez for construction work after he was released from a detention facility.
Gang Member Released Due to Biden-Harris Border Policies
Ortega-Lopez entered the United States illegally in December 2023 and was initially detained. However, in a pattern that has become all too familiar under the Biden-Harris administration, he was quickly released due to prison overcrowding – a direct consequence of the unprecedented wave of illegal immigration that has overwhelmed our border facilities. After his release, he somehow connected with the Canos, who provided him with housing and allegedly access to firearms, despite federal laws strictly prohibiting illegal aliens from possessing weapons. This case perfectly illustrates the cascading failures of our current border policies.
Federal investigators discovered that Ortega-Lopez has gang-related tattoos and had been using social media to engage in gang activities. Even more disturbing, social media posts showed Ortega-Lopez posing with firearms, with Judge Cano visible in some of the images. During raids on properties linked to the Cano family, including their daughter’s home, authorities recovered four firearms, some allegedly belonging to the gang member. Ortega-Lopez now faces up to 15 years in federal prison for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
Judge Claims Ignorance Despite Mounting Evidence
Despite the damning evidence against him, Cano has vehemently denied knowing about Ortega-Lopez’s gang ties. In statements that strain credulity, the former judge called the allegations “sensationalism at the highest possible level” and insisted he was completely unaware of any gang connections. “Let me be as crystal clear as possible, The very first time I ever heard that the boys could possibly have any association with Tren de Aragua was when I was informed of that by agents on the day of the raid,” Cano claimed in his defense.
Adding to his questionable defense, Cano claimed that the gang members showed him documentation suggesting they were legally present, stating: “Their papers stated in the upper right-hand corner, ‘This Person is Not Subject to Removal.’ They each had a specific court date regarding their asylum hearing.” This excuse rings hollow when considering the mounting evidence, including photos showing Cano with armed gang members and the subsequent discovery of firearms. The New Mexico Judicial Standards Commission specifically alleged that Cano provided firearms to the men, though he has denied this charge.
Another Chapter in America’s Border Crisis
This disturbing case is just the latest example of how the Biden-Harris administration’s border policies have allowed dangerous criminal organizations to establish footholds in American communities. The Tren de Aragua gang, which originated in Venezuelan prisons, has been actively expanding its operations into the United States, facilitated by the unprecedented surge of illegal immigration across our southern border. When even judges – those sworn to uphold our laws – are allegedly harboring gang members, it’s clear that our nation’s security has been severely compromised by years of lax border enforcement.
While Cano’s resignation and the arrest of Ortega-Lopez represent small victories for law enforcement, this case raises troubling questions about how many other criminal aliens have found shelter and support within our communities. The upcoming election offers voters a clear choice between continuing the failed policies that have allowed situations like this to flourish or returning to the strong border security measures that put American safety first. Until then, we can expect more stories of dangerous criminals exploiting our porous borders and finding enablers willing to harbor them, even among those who should know better.
Sources:
https://www.koat.com/article/las-cruces-former-judge-allegations-gang-new-mexico/64583129
