In a shocking revelation that sends shockwaves through the already fragile credibility of the judiciary, a Democrat judge in New Mexico has resigned after it was revealed that an alleged Tren de Aragua gang member was living in his home. This latest incident provides even more ammunition for Americans who are fed up with the judicial system’s interference in President Trump’s agenda and the rise of radical leftist ideologies within the legal establishment.
The case centers around Judge Jose “Joel” Cano, a former police officer who had been serving as a magistrate judge in Las Cruces since 2011. His resignation, announced on March 3, 2025, came just days after U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an alleged member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, at Cano’s residence. The arrest was the result of a tip-off to authorities, and what followed has become a political and legal firestorm.
For context, President Trump took decisive action earlier in 2025 by declaring Tren de Aragua (TdA) a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The gang is infamous for its violent tactics, including murder, extortion, and trafficking in drugs, weapons, and humans. They operate in collaboration with the Venezuelan government’s Cártel de los Soles, contributing to destabilizing efforts in the Americas. The gang’s reach extends to the U.S. through illegal migration, further compromising national security.
According to Border Hawk News, Ortega-Lopez was initially apprehended near Eagle Pass, Texas, in December 2023 while attempting to cross the border. However, due to overcrowding in the Border Patrol facilities, he was released on immigration parole. Following his release, Ortega-Lopez found refuge in a “casita” behind Judge Cano’s home, where he lived and, disturbingly, even became involved in socializing with the judge and his wife, Nancy Cano.
Court documents reveal that Ortega-Lopez, a Venezuelan national, had met Mrs. Cano through construction work and accepted her offer to stay at the property. By April 2024, Ortega-Lopez had filed for immigration relief, listing the Las Cruces address as his residence.
The arrest took place on February 28, 2025, when HSI agents raided the Cano property and took Ortega-Lopez into custody. Authorities allege that he was a member of Tren de Aragua, pointing to tattoos, clothing, and gang hand signs as evidence of his affiliation. Additionally, Ortega-Lopez was found to be in possession of firearms, which led to charges of being an illegal alien in possession of a weapon.
The arrest sparked immediate backlash, with conservatives questioning the integrity of Judge Cano and his ties to an alleged criminal enterprise. Reporter Wild Lyman, who broke the story, highlighted troubling photos on Ortega-Lopez’s social media, showing him at a shooting range and even posing with firearms, along with images of Cano and Ortega-Lopez together. The optics couldn’t be worse—pictures that seem to show the judge and the criminal socializing and handling weapons raise serious questions about Cano’s judgment and possible involvement.
In response to the mounting pressure, Cano submitted his resignation, and it was quickly followed by speculation about the full extent of his involvement with Ortega-Lopez. Could this be yet another case of left-wing officials turning a blind eye to criminal activity in the name of political correctness? The timing is highly suspicious, and it certainly looks as though the resignation was an attempt to avoid further scrutiny.
For MAGA Americans, this incident is another glaring example of the failure of the judicial system to prioritize American citizens’ safety and uphold the rule of law. With Democrats increasingly defending illegal immigrants and criminals, it’s no wonder that conservative patriots are calling for greater accountability within the legal system. This case only fuels the belief that the left is too willing to look the other way when it comes to national security and public safety.
