New Mexico Magistrate Judge Resigns Amid Gang Arrest Scandal

A New Mexico magistrate judge has stepped down from his position following the arrest of an alleged Tren de Aragua gang member at his home. The resignation has generated significant attention and raised questions about the implications for the judiciary.

Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano’s resignation letter, dated March 3, did not reach the Supreme Court and the 3rd Judicial District Court until March 31, according to a spokesman for the Administrative Office of the Courts. This delay in processing fuelled speculation about the timing of his departure from the bench.

Homeland Security Investigations in Las Cruces started an inquiry in January into Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a Venezuelan native. Ortega-Lopez, described as an illegal alien and a suspected member of a criminal gang, was found living with multiple illegal immigrants and was reportedly in possession of multiple firearms, as noted in court documents obtained by Fox News Digital.

Police Raids and Weapon Seizures

On February 28, authorities executed two search warrants at a residence linked to Cano’s wife, Nancy Cano. During the operation, Ortega-Lopez and other roommates were apprehended. Investigators seized four firearms from the property, which documents indicate belongs to April Cano, the daughter of Joel and Nancy Cano.

According to evidence collected by investigators, Ortega-Lopez had posted social media images of himself posing with various firearms, claiming that some of these weapons were owned by April Cano. She allegedly permitted him to handle and sometimes fire the firearms, raising serious legal and ethical questions.

Illegal Entry and Living Arrangements

Ortega-Lopez confessed to entering the United States illegally from Mexico in December 2023. He told investigators that he initially resided in an El Paso apartment with five other individuals before he was introduced to Nancy Cano for a job involving the installation of a glass door.

After his eviction from the El Paso apartment in April 2024, Nancy Cano invited Ortega-Lopez to stay in a casita located behind their residence. This invitation raised alarms regarding the responsibilities and judgment of the Cano family given the ongoing investigation into Ortega-Lopez’s background.

Court Hearings and Bail Decisions

Ortega-Lopez made his first court appearance in Las Cruces on March 3. During a detention hearing on March 14, U.S. Magistrate Judge Damian L. Martinez inquired whether Assistant United States Attorney Maria Armijo was familiar with Judge Cano. When Armijo responded negatively, Judge Martinez remarked, acknowledging having met Cano outside court several times and asserting confidence that he would not allow just anyone to reside in his property.

Despite the serious charges, Judge Martinez determined that Ortega-Lopez was neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community, ordering his release. Subsequently, on April 8, an assistant U.S. attorney filed a motion to reconsider this decision, suggesting concerns about the implications of Ortega-Lopez’s situation.

Implications for Judicial Oversight

Records from the Doña Ana County Assessor’s Office reveal that the property where Ortega-Lopez was arrested is co-owned by Nancy and Jose Cano, also known as Joel. This connection further complicates matters as the community grapples with the ramifications of a judge’s involvement with alleged criminal activity.

In his resignation letter, Judge Cano indicated that his last working day was March 21. In a brief message, he expressed well wishes to his colleagues, stating, “All the best to everyone of you. I wish all of you a happy retirement once you are ready yourself.”

The Path Forward for New Mexico’s Judiciary

The Administrative Office of the Courts announced that Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will appoint a replacement to fulfill the remaining term of Judge Cano, which lasts until the end of 2026. This appointment underscores the importance of maintaining public trust in the judiciary, especially in light of recent events.

As New Mexico prepares for this transition, the Supreme Court has scheduled an oral argument on April 24, to publicly address matters concerning Judge Cano’s case. The argument will provide an opportunity for transparency in judicial processes and reinforce the standards expected of individuals serving in positions of authority.

Through these developments, the New Mexico judiciary finds itself at a pivotal moment, requiring a reevaluation of internal policies and oversight mechanisms to prevent such incidents from recurring and to restore public confidence in judicial integrity.