Former New Mexico Judge and Wife Arrested
In a stunning development that raises serious questions about judicial integrity and border security, former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Jose "Joel" Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, have been arrested following a federal raid on their New Mexico home. The couple faces two counts of evidence tampering after allegedly harboring Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an accused illegal migrant and alleged member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
The shocking details were revealed Thursday when Fox News reported that the Canos had not only given Ortega-Lopez shelter but had welcomed him into their family circle under the guise of hiring him as a handyman. Ortega-Lopez, only 23 years old, was living in a guesthouse on the property when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers apprehended him during a February raid.
ICE investigators uncovered an alarming array of evidence linking Ortega-Lopez to Tren de Aragua — including gang tattoos, incriminating social media posts, and gang-affiliated clothing. Even more concerning, when agents raided the home of the Canos’ daughter, April Cano, they discovered four firearms — some allegedly tied directly to Ortega-Lopez.
We are all thinking the same thing here, yeah. https://t.co/pmx7aIjzDg
— Cernovich (@Cernovich) April 25, 2025
The scandal has already had profound repercussions. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court of New Mexico took the extraordinary step of permanently barring Jose Cano from ever serving as a judge again, citing his association with Ortega-Lopez. Cano had preemptively resigned in March, no doubt anticipating the full weight of the legal fallout.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the broader context of the incident, noting that under President Trump’s leadership, federal authorities had already arrested over 150,000 illegal aliens, including more than 600 suspected members of Tren de Aragua. The arrest of a sitting judge’s family member — and the discovery of a dangerous gang member embedded within his home — underscores the growing threat posed by lax border enforcement and judicial misconduct.
Former ICE Field Office Director John Fabbricatore voiced deep concern, highlighting Doña Ana County’s long-standing reputation as a hotspot for illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. “To see that a judge would allow this to happen is very concerning,” Fabbricatore stated. “What else has the judge been doing?”
Ortega-Lopez’s entry into the United States was itself a grim tale of systemic failure. He crossed illegally near Eagle Pass, Texas, in December 2023 and was released into the interior three days later due to overcrowding — a loophole that criminals are increasingly exploiting.
Although given a Notice to Appear for removal proceedings, Ortega-Lopez instead embedded himself deeper into the country’s fabric, culminating in his arrest and facing up to 15 years in prison for illegal possession of firearms.