Judge Jose “Joel” Cano resigns amid controversy following the arrest of a gang member at his residence.
Key Takeaways
- Joel Cano resigned as a Magistrate Judge in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, after federal agents raided his home.
- 23-year-old Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a Venezuelan national, was arrested during the raid.
- Ortega-Lopez, a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member, was found with firearms at Cano’s property.
- Judge Cano’s resignation came shortly after the arrest with no explicit reason disclosed.
- Ortega-Lopez faces charges with a potential penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
Judge Resignation Raises Questions
Judge Jose “Joel” Cano, a longtime Democrat Magistrate Judge in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, unexpectedly resigned his position following a federal raid at his home. The raid resulted in the arrest of a young Venezuelan national linked to the Tren de Aragua gang. Cano, who was first elected to his post in 2010, stepped down from the bench shortly after the arrest without providing a specific reason for his resignation.
Cano’s resignation shocked the community, as he had been re-elected unopposed in previous elections. His decision leaves many to speculate about his awareness or involvement in the criminal activities surrounding his household. Though Cano’s resignation letter thanked colleagues, it did not mention the allegations or the arrest.
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
Gang Ties and Legal Implications
The arrested individual, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, entered the United States illegally and was residing in a “casita” at Cano’s property. Federal agents discovered multiple firearms in his possession, raising serious concerns about public safety. Court documents suggest that Ortega-Lopez might be both a flight risk and a community threat due to his gang affiliations.
“Working with each of you has been a very rewarding experience for which I will remain eternally grateful,” said Joel Cano.
Ortega-Lopez previously faced detention by the U.S. Border Patrol but was released due to overcrowding. His current charges could lead to a 15-year prison sentence. Federal courts are emphasizing his gang affiliation as a key risk factor in pending motions against him.
Focus on Community Safety
The possession of weapons by Ortega-Lopez is a significant concern. Reports indicate he became acquainted with the Cano family through handyman work and social media images depict him with firearms in his possession. Additionally, firearms were found at a neighboring home belonging to April Cano, the judge’s step-daughter. This discovery further ignites worries among residents about ongoing security threats.
“Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano has resigned from the bench where he has sat since 2011,” The Albuquerque Journal said.
The fallout from this arrest and resignation raises pressing questions about safeguarding judicial integrity and community security against gang influences. As events unfold, the vigilance of federal authorities will be crucial to addressing these critical challenges facing the region.
