Former New Mexico Judge and Spouse Released on Bond Amid Allegations of Harboring Gang Member

A former judge from New Mexico and his wife have regained their freedom after being released from jail on bond. The couple faces serious accusations of harboring an alleged member of the Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua within their home.

Arrest Details and Charges

Joel Cano, who served as a Magistrate Judge in Doña Ana County, and his wife, Nancy Cano, were taken into custody last month. Their arrest followed a federal investigation into charges of tampering with evidence after authorities conducted a raid at their residence in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Both were released on Tuesday after posting bonds of $10,000, conditional upon several stipulations. Court records indicate that they must adhere to the conditions set forth by the court while awaiting trial.

Allegations of Harboring a Gang Member

The investigation began in January 2025 when officials from Homeland Security Investigations received a tip-off regarding Cristhian Ortega-Lopez. Authorities alleged he is a member of Tren de Aragua, a group recognized as a foreign terrorist organization. Reports claimed that Ortega was unlawfully residing in the United States and was in possession of firearms.

The federal complaint outlined that Ortega was living with other undocumented individuals at the Canos’ property in Las Cruces. Subsequent investigations revealed that Ortega had illegally entered the United States from Mexico in 2023, navigating through a barbed wire fence.

Employment and Accommodation

Documents obtained from the court indicate that Nancy Cano initially employed Ortega for home repairs. Over time, she offered him shelter in their guesthouse, fostering an environment that allegedly shielded him from law enforcement.

Ortga now faces charges for being an illegal immigrant in possession of a firearm, a case fraught with implications for the Canos.

Destruction of Evidence

Federal authorities executed a search at the Cano residence on April 24, aiming to find Ortega-Lopez’s missing cellphone. During the inquiry, Joel Cano reportedly confessed to destroying the cellphone with a hammer. He discarded the remnants into a dumpster.

The federal complaint revealed that Cano acted on the belief that the device contained incriminating photos or videos that could implicate Ortega. Specifically, he thought that it stored images of Ortega posing with firearms, potentially strengthening the case against him.

More Investigative Findings

Along with the cellphone, federal officials seized additional devices from Ortega that contained communications indicating his affiliation with Tren de Aragua. Authorities retrieved images and videos where Ortega appeared with firearms. Some videos reportedly depicted him firing an AR-15 style rifle equipped with a suppressor.

Judicial Consequences and Future Outlook

Joel Cano resigned from his judicial position in March following the scandal. The New Mexico Supreme Court subsequently ruled to permanently disqualify him from holding any future judicial office within the state. The Cano couple now faces the possibility of a combined maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights the complexities surrounding individuals involved in organized crime and the hardships of the judicial system in dealing with such allegations. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the importance of the rule of law, stating that regardless of one’s profession, violations will lead to prosecution. She made it clear that the authorities would pursue the facts and ensure accountability.

Public Reaction and Next Steps

The court’s decision to grant bond has stirred discussions within the community about the responsibilities of public officials and their role in enforcing the law. With the trial ahead, the proceedings will likely attract significant media attention, further complicating the Canos’ situation. Supporters and critics alike will closely follow the developments in this high-profile case.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating gang-related activities and the rigorous legal standards that govern the actions of public officials. Further investigations and the impending trial will shape the narrative moving forward.

As new details emerge, the public remains attentive to how authorities will navigate this complex case involving legal and immigration issues that cross state and national boundaries.

Fox News Digital’s coverage on this case continues, providing updates on the legal ramifications and judicial responses as this troubling story develops.

Fox News Digital’s team contributed to this report.