Former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, were arrested after a federal raid on their Las Cruces home. They are charged with evidence tampering for allegedly harboring Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an undocumented immigrant linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.

Ortega-Lopez, initially hired for home repairs, was later found living in their guesthouse. Authorities uncovered gang-related evidence and weapons, some tied to the Canos’ daughter. Ortega-Lopez now faces federal firearm charges and could get 15 years in prison.

Joel Cano resigned in March and was permanently barred from judicial office by the New Mexico Supreme Court.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem vowed continued action against illegal immigration and gang activity, while two DHS employees were recently caught leaking sensitive enforcement information.

JUST IN: New Mexico judge Joel Cano and his wife have been arrested after they were caught housing an alleged Tren de Aragua member.

Cano recently resigned after authorities arrested 23-year-old Cristhian Ortega-Lopez.

"The home of a former judge in Las Cruces was raided… pic.twitter.com/RjoZVD7LrA

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 24, 2025