A New Mexico magistrate judge, Joel Cano, recently resigned amid an investigation involving an alleged gang member residing at his home. The individual in question, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, is purportedly a member of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang from Venezuela. This case has raised significant concerns about associations between public officials and criminal organizations.
The resignation letter from Judge Cano, dated March 3, was reportedly not received by the relevant judicial authorities until March 31. This delay in communication comes amid a federal investigation that began in January by the Homeland Security Investigations in Las Cruces. The investigation focused on Ortega-Lopez, who was labeled an illegal immigrant and gang member residing in a house owned by Cano’s wife, Nancy Cano.
On February 28, law enforcement executed search warrants at this residence, leading to the arrest of Ortega-Lopez and others. During the search, authorities seized four firearms from the home. The weapons reportedly belonged to Ortega-Lopez, who had been identified in social media posts holding these firearms. Court documents revealed that April Cano, the daughter of Joel and Nancy Cano, allegedly permitted him to use the weapons.
Ortega-Lopez confessed to illegally entering the United States from Mexico in December 2023. Further revelations indicated that he had encountered Nancy Cano while performing work-related tasks, like installing a glass door. Following his eviction from an El Paso apartment, Nancy Cano reportedly offered him accommodation in a secondary house on their property.
Footage and images from court filings show Ortega-Lopez frequently residing within the Cano household, further complicating the situation. A federal judge involved in the case, U.S. Magistrate Judge Damian L. Martinez, remarked that he had met Judge Cano multiple times outside the courtroom. Despite acknowledging this acquaintance, Judge Martinez ruled that Ortega-Lopez did not pose a flight risk or danger to the community, allowing his release with conditions. However, this decision faced a challenge, as a motion was filed on April 8 to reconsider his pretrial release.
In response to these developments, an Assistant United States Attorney queried Judge Cano’s relationship with the gang member. Adding to the controversy, records indicate that the home where Ortega-Lopez was arrested is co-owned by both Nancy and Joel Cano.
Judge Cano’s resignation will leave a vacancy on the bench, which Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is expected to fill. This appointment will last for the remainder of Cano's unexpired term, concluding in 2026. Meanwhile, the New Mexico Supreme Court plans to discuss related matters in an upcoming public oral argument, which will be live-streamed for transparency.
This case underscores the complex interactions between immigration issues, judicial conduct, and public safety. It highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement and the judiciary in ensuring that public trust is not compromised by associations that might undermine the integrity of legal institutions. As the investigation unfolds, it continues to attract significant public and media attention, emphasizing the importance of due diligence and integrity within the judicial system.