Legal and Judicial Consequences
Joel Cano, a former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge, and his wife, Nancy Cano, were arrested and charged with evidence tampering and conspiracy to tamper, respectively, after allegedly harboring Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member.
The New Mexico Supreme Court permanently barred Joel Cano from holding any judicial office, following his resignation and the federal investigation into the couple's actions.
Criminal Allegations and Investigations
Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, arrested at the Cano residence, is alleged to be a member of the Tren de Aragua gang, with evidence including gang-related tattoos, clothing, and firearms.
The investigation revealed that Ortega-Lopez had been living in the couple's guesthouse after being hired by Nancy Cano for home repairs, despite his illegal status and gang affiliations.