A New Mexico magistrate's unexpected resignation raises questions about the growing presence of international criminal organizations in border states.
According to Daily Caller, Dona Ana County Magistrate Judge Jose "Joel" Cano stepped down from his position following the arrest of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua gang, who was found residing in a guest house on the judge's property.
The 23-year-old Venezuelan national faces serious charges related to illegal firearm possession and his alleged connection to Tren de Aragua, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States government. Federal authorities discovered multiple loaded weapons during their investigation, including pistols, revolvers, shotguns, and rifles.
Ortega-Lopez entered the United States illegally in December 2023 by climbing over a barbed-wire fence near Eagle Pass, Texas. After being processed by Border Patrol, he was released into the country due to overcrowding at detention facilities, a direct consequence of the ongoing border crisis.
Court documents reveal that Ortega-Lopez connected with Nancy Cano, the judge's wife, who offered him accommodation in a "casita" behind their Las Cruces home. The suspect later filed for immigration relief in April 2024, listing the Cano residence as his address.
The investigation uncovered that April Cano, the judge's stepdaughter, had introduced Ortega-Lopez to firearms and allowed him to handle and shoot various weapons. Social media evidence showed the suspect posing with multiple firearms at a local shooting range.
The arrest was part of a broader operation conducted by the Justice Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The operation resulted in the arrest of four Venezuelan nationals, including Ortega-Lopez.
Judge Cano, who submitted his resignation on March 3, expressed gratitude to his colleagues in a letter addressed to 3rd Judicial District Chief Judge Conrad Perea and court staff. The former police officer had served on the bench since his election in 2010.
Federal prosecutors emphasized the severity of the charges, noting that possession of firearms by illegal immigrants is strictly prohibited under U.S. law. If convicted, Ortega-Lopez and his three co-defendants each face up to 15 years in prison.
The Justice Department confirmed the execution of search warrants on four different illegal migrants in New Mexico, highlighting growing concerns about criminal organizations establishing networks within the United States. The investigation began following an anonymous tip to ICE authorities.
Tren de Aragua's presence in the United States has become increasingly concerning for law enforcement agencies. The gang, which originated in Venezuela, has expanded its operations internationally and poses a significant security threat.
The suspects will remain in custody pending their trial, as authorities continue to investigate potential connections between illegal immigration and organized crime networks.
Judge Cano's resignation marks the end of his 15-year tenure on the Dona Ana County Magistrate Court. The case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by border communities and the complex relationships between residents and undocumented immigrants. The arrest of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected member of the terrorist organization Tren de Aragua, at Judge Jose Cano's property has led to the judge's resignation and highlighted vulnerabilities in border security. The suspect, who entered the country illegally in December 2023, faces federal charges for illegal firearm possession and remains in custody along with three other Venezuelan nationals awaiting trial.
