Ex-New Mexico judge and wife in hot water for housing Tren de Aragua member
Former New Mexico judge and spouse detained over accusations of sheltering an unlawful Tren de Aragua associate.
Former Dona Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, found themselves in a troubling situation after they were taken into custody by federal agents who raided their Las Cruces home in April 2025 [1][2][4][5]. The couple stands accused of providing shelter to Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an undocumented immigrant believed to be a member of the infamous Tren de Aragua gang.
The story took a turn when Ortega-Lopez was caught in the Cano residence during a February incident [1]. Intriguingly, he had initially been hired by Nancy Cano for home repairs and was later offered temporary lodging in their guesthouse.
As investigation unfolded, evidence emerged, connecting Ortega-Lopez to the Tren de Aragua gang through distinctive clothing, tattoos, and electronic communications [1][2]. The gang, known for its criminal activities, was no stranger to authorities.
Following the raid, Ortega-Lopez was initially apprehended for being in the country illegally [1]. Court documents revealed that he had crossed the border near Eagle Pass, Texas, unlawfully on December 15, 2023, and was subsequently released on December 18, pending removal proceedings due to overcrowding at the Border Patrol facility [1].
Four firearms were seized from the residence of April Cano, the couple's daughter, during further investigation [1]. Ortega-Lopez, however, was found in social media posts appearing to pose with firearms said to be owned by April [1]. Due to this, he now faces federal charges for illegally possessing a firearm as an undocumented immigrant [1].
Joel Cano stepped down from his judicial post in March 2025, following these allegations [1][5]. In March 2025, the New Mexico Supreme Court handed down a ruling, permanently barring him from ever holding a judicial position again in the state [1][5].
Community members continue to extend their support to the Cano family in the face of these allegations [1]. However, members of the public have called for accountability and transparency regarding the Cano's role in these events [5].
In the end, the Canos faced life-altering consequences for their suspected role in aiding an undocumented and potentially dangerous migrant, leading to their home being searched, their possessions seized, and Joel Cano's dismissal from the judiciary [1][2][5].
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Sources:[1] https://www.kfoxtv.com/news/local_news/ex-new-mexico-judge-wife-arrested-for-allegedly-harboring-illegal-tren-de-aragua-member/article_fb7626c8-72ef-11ed-839a-8b393852d6c8.html[2] https://www.abc-7.com/2025/04/24/former-first-judicial-district-judge-resigns-amid-alleged-harboring-of-tren-de-aragua-immigrant/[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNvr5sJ1GfA[4] https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/ex-magistrate-judge-nancy-cano-christian-ortega-charged-federal-court/5795841/[5] https://www.las-cruces-sun-news.com/story/news/2025/06/27/former-dona-ana-magistrate-judge-joel-cano-barred-judicial-office/2086361867/[6] https://ourwebsite.com
- The federal investigation into Joel and Nancy Cano resulted in their arrest in April 2025, after they were accused of providing shelter to a Tren de Aragua member, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez.
- KFOX14 news reported that Ortega-Lopez was caught at the Cano residence in February, following which he was apprehended for being in the country illegally.
- In 2025, Joel Cano resigned from his position as a judge in Dona Ana County, and the New Mexico Supreme Court later permanently barred him from holding a judicial position in the state.
- As of 2025, Ortega-Lopez faces federal charges for illegally possessing a firearm, due to evidence of him appearing to pose with firearms owned by the couple's daughter.
