(DailyChive.com) – A Democratic judge in Doña Ana County has resigned following the arrest of an alleged gang member at his residence, raising questions about the nature of their association.
At a Glance
- Federal agents arrested a 23-year-old Venezuelan national, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, at Judge Cano’s home.
- Ortega-Lopez, an illegal immigrant and suspected gang member, was found with firearms.
- Judge Cano resigned but did not specify if the arrest influenced his decision.
- The arrest has sparked speculation regarding Cano’s involvement with Ortega-Lopez.
Arrest at the Judge’s Home
In Doña Ana County, federal agents conducted a raid at the home of Magistrate Judge Jose “Joel” Cano leading to the arrest of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez. Ortega-Lopez, 23, a Venezuelan national reportedly staying in a “casita” behind Cano’s residence, was apprehended due to alleged ties with the Tren de Aragua gang. His arrest also uncovered the possession of multiple firearms.
Ortega-Lopez had previously been detained by U.S. Border Patrol in December 2023 but was released because of overcrowded detention centers. The presence of Ortega-Lopez in Judge Cano’s property raises numerous questions, especially considering the federal charges he now faces regarding the illegal possession of firearms.
Judge Cano’s Resignation
Judge Cano, who served as a magistrate judge since 2010 and previously worked as a police officer, resigned shortly after the arrest of Ortega-Lopez. In his resignation letter, Cano did not provide specific reasons for his decision but acknowledged his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in his capacity: “Working with each of you has been a very rewarding experience for which I will remain eternally grateful.”
“Working with each of you has been a very rewarding experience for which I will remain eternally grateful” – Joel Cano.
Despite Cano’s lack of clarity on his resignation, the timing immediately after Ortega-Lopez’s arrest has led to widespread speculation regarding any possible connections or knowledge of the illegal activities conducted by Ortega-Lopez on Cano’s property.
New Mexico Judge Resigns After ICE Arrests Alleged Tren de Aragua Gang Member—What’s Really Going On? 🏛️🇺🇸
The Resignation
On March 3, 2025, Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano, a Democrat and former police officer, resigned abruptly after serving since 2011. His… pic.twitter.com/np9hfLWw89— PitunisWorld 🌎 (@ScMesab) April 20, 2025
Potential Implications and Investigation
Ortega-Lopez faces serious charges, including unlawful possession of firearms as an illegal alien, potentially leading to up to 15 years in prison. U.S. magistrate judges have already articulated that Ortega-Lopez poses a flight risk and potential danger to the community due to his alleged involvement with the Tren de Aragua gang.
“Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano has resigned from the bench where he has sat since 2011.” – The Albuquerque Journal.
The ordeal has prompted further investigation into Cano’s potential ties with Ortega-Lopez and the ownership of firearms discovered in connected residencies. As the investigation progresses, Cano’s resignation has become a focal point in an evolving legal and political narrative in Doña Ana County.
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