A New Mexico Democrat judge abruptly resigned after federal agents discovered an armed Venezuelan illegal immigrant with suspected gang ties living on his property.
Key Takeaways
- Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Jose “Joel” Cano resigned following a federal raid that led to the arrest of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela with suspected ties to the violent Tren de Aragua gang.
- Ortega-Lopez was found living in a “casita” behind Judge Cano’s residence and was discovered with multiple firearms despite his illegal status in the US.
- The illegal immigrant had previously been apprehended by Border Patrol in December 2023 but was released due to overcrowding in detention facilities.
- Social media evidence showed Ortega-Lopez handling firearms and socializing with Judge Cano and his wife, raising questions about the judge’s awareness of illegal activities.
- Ortega-Lopez faces up to 15 years in prison for unlawfully possessing firearms as an illegal alien.
Democrat Judge’s Sudden Resignation After Federal Raid
Jose “Joel” Cano, a longtime Democrat magistrate judge in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, submitted his resignation following a federal operation that uncovered alarming activity at his residence. Cano had served on the bench since 2010 after a career in law enforcement and had won re-election unopposed in subsequent elections. His resignation letter, while not specifying reasons for his departure, came shortly after federal agents raided his property and made a troubling discovery that has raised serious questions about judgment and potential security risks.
The Albuquerque Journal reported: “Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano has resigned from the bench where he has sat since 2011.”
BREAKING: DEMOCRAT NEW MEXICO JUDGE RESIGNS AFTER HOMELAND SECURITY ARRESTS TREN DE ARAGUA DESIGNATED TERRORIST LIVING AT JUDGE'S HOME!
The Longtime Doña Ana County Judge Joel Cano, A Democrat Has Abruptly Resigned After Federal Agents Arrested Alleged Violent Venezuelan Tren De… pic.twitter.com/TGsPbOGims— John Basham (@JohnBasham) April 19, 2025
Venezuelan Gang Member Found Living on Judge’s Property
During the raid, federal agents arrested 23-year-old Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a Venezuelan national illegally present in the United States and suspected member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. Court documents reveal Ortega-Lopez was living in what was described as a “casita” behind Judge Cano’s main residence. The investigation uncovered that Ortega-Lopez had originally met Nancy Cano, the judge’s wife, while working as a handyman, which apparently led to his occupancy of the secondary dwelling on their property.
Federal authorities discovered Ortega-Lopez possessed multiple firearms despite his illegal status, which prohibits such possession under federal law. Four firearms were recovered from a neighboring home owned by April Cano, identified as Nancy Cano’s daughter. Court filings indicate that Ortega-Lopez admitted to possessing and firing the weapons, with social media posts providing additional evidence of these activities. He now faces charges that could result in up to 15 years in prison.
Failure of Border Security and Detention Policies
The case highlights ongoing issues with border security under the Biden-Harris administration that President Trump has pledged to address since taking office in 2025. Records show that Ortega-Lopez had previously been apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in December 2023 but was subsequently released due to reported overcrowding in detention facilities. This allowed him to remain in the country illegally and eventually make his way to Judge Cano’s property, where he established residence and acquired multiple firearms.
In his resignation letter, Cano wrote: “Working with each of you has been a very rewarding experience for which I will remain eternally grateful.”
Federal prosecutors have filed motions arguing that Ortega-Lopez represents both a flight risk and a danger to the community, citing his alleged gang affiliations and weapons violations. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Damian Martinez on charges related to firearm possession as an illegal alien. The case raises significant concerns about judicial oversight, border security enforcement, and the dangers posed by violent transnational gangs operating within American communities.
