A dramatic turn of events unfolds in Las Cruces as former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano faces serious allegations alongside his wife, Nancy.

According to Fox News, federal agents arrested the couple on Thursday at their Las Cruces residence for allegedly harboring Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an illegal immigrant believed to be affiliated with Venezuela's notorious Tren de Aragua gang.

The arrests stem from a February incident when authorities discovered Ortega-Lopez at the Canos' property. Court documents reveal that Nancy Cano initially hired him for home repairs before offering him accommodation in their guesthouse despite his illegal status and gang connections.

Federal Investigation Reveals Disturbing Evidence

Investigators uncovered compelling evidence linking Ortega-Lopez to the Tren de Aragua gang, including distinctive gang-related clothing, tattoos, and incriminating communications. The suspect entered the United States illegally on December 15, 2023, crossing near Eagle Pass, Texas, and was released three days later due to overcrowding at Border Patrol facilities.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the administration's tough stance on illegal immigration and gang activity:

Under President Trump, we have arrested over 150,000 aliens—including more than 600 members of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang. If you are here illegally and break the law, we will hunt you down, arrest you and lock you up. That's a promise.

The investigation also led to the discovery of four firearms at April Cano's residence, the couple's daughter. Social media posts showed Ortega-Lopez posing with weapons he claimed belonged to April.

Judicial Career Ends Amid Criminal Allegations

The scandal has effectively ended Judge Cano's legal career. He resigned from his position in March 2025, and the New Mexico Supreme Court subsequently issued a permanent ban preventing him from holding any future judicial office in the state.

Former ICE Field Office Director John Fabbricatore expressed serious concerns about the case's implications for judicial integrity. He highlighted Doña Ana County's history of illegal immigration and criminal activities.

Amy Barela, Chairwoman of the Republican Party of New Mexico, shared her perspective:

The people of New Mexico are tired of a system where the powerful don't play by their own rules. We demand real accountability for Judge Cano's connection to a gang-affiliated criminal and full transparency on how our judiciary is being held to the same laws as the rest of us. Enough is enough.

The Canos now face evidence tampering charges as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, Ortega-Lopez could receive up to 15 years in prison if convicted of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm under federal law. Homeland Security Investigations maintains leadership of the ongoing investigation. The case has sparked renewed debate about judicial accountability and immigration enforcement in New Mexico's border region.

Future unfolds for disgraced judge and family

Former Judge Joel Cano and his wife Nancy were taken into custody following a federal raid on their Las Cruces home, facing charges related to harboring an alleged Tren de Aragua gang member.

The couple's involvement with Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, who entered the country illegally and was found staying in their guesthouse, has led to multiple criminal charges and the end of Cano's judicial career.

While Homeland Security Investigations continues their probe, the case has become a focal point in discussions about judicial integrity and immigration enforcement in New Mexico's border communities.