Federal authorities have apprehended a former magistrate judge from Doña Ana County and his wife amid allegations that they were harboring an undocumented individual who was associated with a violent transnational gang.
Joel Cano, who recently resigned from his judicial position, and his wife Nancy Cano were apprehended after the discovery of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez residing in a guesthouse on their property in Las Cruces. Ortega-Lopez, an undocumented migrant from Venezuela, is suspected of having connections to the Tren de Aragua gang, a group that is recognized for its organized criminal activities throughout Latin America.
Ortega-Lopez was initially employed by Nancy Cano to perform home maintenance duties, but she eventually permitted him to reside on the property, according to investigators. Digital evidence linking the guest to gang activity, as well as firearms and other items believed to be associated with him, were recovered by authorities.
Joel Cano was permanently disqualified from holding any future judicial office by the state’s supreme court subsequent to his arrest. The incident has rekindled calls for increased accountability and supervision in public institutions, particularly when public officials are discovered in close proximity to individuals who are under federal scrutiny.