Former New Mexico Judge and Wife Arrested in Federal Gang-Linked Probe
A former Doña Ana County magistrate judge and his wife have been arrested following a sweeping federal investigation tied to an alleged member of a violent transnational gang.
Joel Cano, who previously served as a judge in southern New Mexico, and his wife Nancy Cano were taken into custody after federal agents raided their home in Las Cruces. The couple faces charges connected to tampering with evidence and allegedly harboring an undocumented Venezuelan national suspected of belonging to the Tren de Aragua, a notorious Latin American criminal organization.
Court documents reveal that the Canos are accused of providing shelter to Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, who entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023 near Eagle Pass, Texas. Ortega-Lopez, reportedly hired by Nancy Cano to work on their property, was later allowed to live in a guesthouse on the premises.
The investigation began in February when Ortega-Lopez was apprehended at the Cano residence. Despite his unlawful entry, he had been released from federal custody due to overcrowding, pending immigration proceedings.
Authorities say Ortega-Lopez’s alleged gang ties were uncovered through a combination of visual identifiers—such as clothing and tattoos—and digital evidence, including voicemails and text messages. The probe also led to the discovery of firearms at the home of the Canos’ daughter, April Cano, where social media posts allegedly showed Ortega-Lopez posing with some of the weapons.
Ortega-Lopez now faces federal firearm charges for illegal possession while in the U.S. unlawfully—a violation that carries a potential 15-year prison sentence under federal law.
Joel Cano, who stepped down from the bench earlier this year, has since been permanently barred by the New Mexico Supreme Court from ever holding judicial office in the state.
The high-profile case has raised broader concerns over judicial integrity and the responsibilities of public officials in safeguarding the rule of law. Federal and local authorities have underscored the importance of transparency and legal compliance, particularly among those entrusted with public service.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has reaffirmed its commitment to combating gang-related activities and investigating potential security breaches that may have undermined recent enforcement operations.
