Arrest and Charges
Former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, were arrested for allegedly harboring Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an illegal alien and suspected Tren de Aragua gang member, and for tampering with evidence.
Ortega-Lopez, who entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023, was found in possession of firearms and is facing federal charges. The Cano couple is also implicated in evidence tampering and conspiracy to tamper.
Legal and Political Repercussions
Joel Cano resigned and was barred from holding judicial office in New Mexico. The New Mexico Supreme Court issued a ruling against him following the allegations.
The case has sparked political criticism, with demands for accountability and transparency in the judiciary, highlighting concerns over immigration and drug trafficking in Doña Ana County.