Former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, were arrested after a federal raid on their Las Cruces home. They are charged with evidence tampering for allegedly harboring Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an undocumented immigrant linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.
Ortega-Lopez, initially hired for home repairs, was later found living in their guesthouse. Authorities uncovered gang-related evidence and weapons, some tied to the Canos’ daughter. Ortega-Lopez now faces federal firearm charges and could get 15 years in prison.
Joel Cano resigned in March and was permanently barred from judicial office by the New Mexico Supreme Court.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem vowed continued action against illegal immigration and gang activity, while two DHS employees were recently caught leaking sensitive enforcement information.
