An unusual living arrangement was discovered, along with a collection of weapons. Let’s delve into the background and activities of the individuals involved.
Here’s what an Albuquerque outlet reported:
LAS CRUCES — Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano has resigned from the bench where he has sat since 2011.
In a surprising turn of events, the resignation letter of an individual, dated March 3, did not provide a specific reason for the decision. However, this departure closely followed the arrest of a man associated with a Venezuelan gang who was awaiting deportation proceedings at the individual’s residence.
Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, 23, was taken into custody on federal firearm charges after a search warrant was executed on Feb. 28 by Homeland Security Investigations at a property in Las Cruces owned by a couple named Cano and Nancy.
Although the judge didn’t explicitly say Cristhian Ortega-Lopez’s arrest was his reason for resigning, the timing cannot be ignored:
“Working with each of you has been a very rewarding experience for which I will remain eternally grateful,” Cano wrote in a letter addressed to 3rd Judicial District Chief Judge Conrad Perea and court staff. The letter declared his last day as March 21, which dockets show was also the last day he had hearings scheduled in court.
Venezuelan Illegal With Alleged Tren de Aragua Ties Arrested for Possession of Firearm While Reportedly Living at Home of New Mexico Judge
Judge Jose “Joel” Cano abruptly resigned days after ICE HSI raid at his house in Las Cruces
Full story coming… pic.twitter.com/UvkrAC2PDT
— Border Hawk (@BorderHawkNews) April 18, 2025
The judge—a former police officer and Democrat—and his wife and daughter appeared to enjoy firearms and shooting with the alleged gangbanger:
The details of Ortega-Lopez’s arrest and prior relationship with the Cano family are addressed in federal court motions seeking Ortega-Lopez’s detention. In New Mexico federal district court, prosecutors argue that Ortega-Lopez is a flight risk and a danger to the community due to an alleged criminal history, including alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua gang in Venezuela.
Court filings state that agents recovered four firearms from a neighboring home owned by April Cano, who is identified in court filings as Nancy Cano’s daughter. A criminal complaint alleges Ortega-Lopez admitted to possessing and firing them, as seen in photos and videos posted on Facebook last December.
A video that is going around on social media appears to show the judge, his wife Nancy, and Cristhian bonding over a very large gun indeed:
A review of Ortega-Lopez’s social media shows him shooting at a local range and holding multiple firearms. The page also shows photos of what appears to be Judge Cano and Ortega-Lopez socializing, including Ortega-Lopez passing a long rifle to both Judge Cano and Nancy.
*Video… pic.twitter.com/2rAzGjPI4k
— Wid Lyman (@Wid_Lyman) April 18, 2025
