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A New Mexico judge resigned from the bench after an alleged Tren de Aragua gang member was arrested at his home.
Source: Economic Times (via YouTube)
Photo: Courtesy U.S. Department of Justice
Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano wrote his resignation on March 3, but the Supreme Court and 3rd Judicial District Court did not receive it till March 31. Homeland Security Investigations Las Cruces began looking into Venezuelan native Cristhian Ortega-Lopez in January.
On March 7, 2025, Las Cruces Digest reported on the Homeland Security Investigation arrest of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez. (U.S. Attorney’s Office and HSI Charge Four Illegal Aliens with Firearms Offenses in New Mexico):
“HSI initiated an inquiry into Cristhian Ortega-Lopez in January 2025, following an anonymous tip. Ortega-Lopez, an illegal alien from Venezuela suspected of being affiliated with Tren de Aragua, was allegedly residing with other illegal aliens in Las Cruces and had been in possession of firearms.”
“The investigators determined Ortega-Lopez had entered the U.S. illegally on December 15, 2023, and was released pending removal proceedings. Social media evidence showed Ortega-Lopez in possession of multiple firearms at a shooting range in Las Cruces.”
“Ortega-Lopez is charged by criminal complaint with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm or ammunition.”
It has been widely reported that Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano was involved with Ortega-Lopez causing Judge Cano to write his resignation on March 3. The Supreme Court and 3rd Judicial District Court did not receive it until March 31. Homeland Security Investigations Las Cruces began looking into Venezuelan native Cristhian Ortega-Lopez in January, and the repercussions of his arrest include the resignation of a Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge as well as a Supreme Court of New Mexico Order banning former Judge Cano from serving in the judiciary in any capacity going forward.
