A Democratic judge just resigned after the arrest of a gang-connected illegal immigrant at his residence in New Mexico.
Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano quit after authorities arrested an illegal alien staying at his residence who federal authorities say is a member of a dangerous criminal organization in Venezuela.
Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, 23, was arrested on February 28 when Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at Cano’s Las Cruces home. Orega-Lopez faces federal charges of being an unlawful alien in possession of firearms and ammunition, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Cano, a former police officer and high profile Democrat who had served on the bench since 2011, submitted his resignation letter on March 3, just days after the arrest.
“Working with each of you has been a very rewarding experience for which I will remain eternally grateful,” Cano wrote to 3rd Judicial District Chief Judge Conrad Perea and court staff. His last day on the bench was March 21.
Court documents reveal that Ortega-Lopez entered the United States illegally by scaling a barbed-wire fence near Eagle Pass, Texas in December 2023. After three days in Border Patrol custody, he was released under the Biden administration’s policies, citing overcrowded detention facilities at the South Laredo processing center.
According to federal prosecutors, Ortega-Lopez met Nancy Cano, the judge’s wife, while illegally working construction and handyman jobs. She subsequently offered him housing in a casita located behind the family home. Ortega-Lopez listed the Las Cruces address on his April 2024 request for immigration relief.
Police said Ortega-Lopez has ties to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang recently designated a transnational criminal organization by the United States. Prosecutors say this connection is evidence that he poses a significant flight risk and danger to the community.
The weapons from Ortega-Lopez’s charges were not found at Judge Cano’s residence but at a neighboring property owned by April Cano, identified in court filings as Nancy Cano’s daughter. Prosecutors say that Ortega-Lopez admitted to illegally possessing and firing these weapons, with evidence including photos and videos posted on social media last December.
Ortega-Lopez remains in custody without bond at the Doña Ana County Detention Center awaiting further proceedings.
New Mexico Democrat Judge Joel Cano abruptly resigned after ICE uncovered he was harboring a Tren de Aragua gang member on his property.
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