Joel Cano, a former Democratic judge, and his wife, Nancy Cano, were arrested during a federal raid on their New Mexico home on Thursday, facing charges of evidence tampering and harboring individuals allegedly linked to the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang.
The arrests, carried out by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), have raised serious concerns about the couple’s involvement in a criminal network that has captured national attention.
Joel Cano, who served as a magistrate judge in Doña Ana County from 2011 until his resignation in March 2025, was detained alongside his wife after HSI agents discovered evidence connecting them to the criminal activities of the Tren de Aragua gang, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government. The arrest follows the earlier detention of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a man linked to the gang, who had been staying at the Cano residence.
The Allegations: A Deepening Investigation
Ortega-Lopez, who had initially been hired by Nancy Cano for home repairs, later took up residence in the Cano family guest house. According to court documents, Ortega-Lopez, who was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm as an illegal alien, is suspected of gang-related activities.
Investigators discovered social media posts showing Ortega-Lopez posing with firearms, some of which were allegedly provided by April Cano, Joel’s daughter. Ortega-Lopez, a known member of Tren de Aragua, had been previously detained in December 2023 for entering the U.S. illegally near Eagle Pass, Texas, before being released due to overcrowding at a Border Patrol detention facility.
The investigation into the Canos deepened following the discovery of voicemails and text messages connecting Ortega-Lopez to criminal activity.
Evidence also suggests that Ortega-Lopez had direct involvement with other members of the Tren de Aragua gang. The firearms and other illegal activities discovered at the residence have raised concerns about the role of a former magistrate judge in potentially enabling criminal activity within his own home.
Political and Legal Repercussions
The arrest of Joel and Nancy Cano has significant political and legal implications. Joel Cano’s arrest and subsequent resignation from the bench in March 2025 was the result of mounting evidence tying him to criminal acts involving Ortega-Lopez. The New Mexico Supreme Court permanently barred Cano from serving on the bench, a dramatic fall from grace for a former Democratic judge once considered a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape.
The arrest has become a point of contention for political leaders, particularly given the broader national context surrounding immigration and border security. President Donald Trump, who has made tough immigration enforcement a cornerstone of his policies, has seized upon the arrest as an example of the need to continue cracking down on illegal migration and criminal gangs.
“If you are here illegally and break the law, we will hunt you down, arrest you, and lock you up,” wrote DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on social media, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to addressing illegal immigration and gang violence.
What’s Next: Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, with HSI continuing to lead the probe into the Canos’ involvement in criminal activities related to illegal immigration, gun possession, and gang affiliations. Both Joel and Nancy Cano remain in custody at the Doña Ana County Detention Center, as federal agents continue to gather evidence in what could become a highly significant case with wider implications for the political and legal establishment in New Mexico.
This case highlights the growing concerns surrounding illegal immigration, organized crime, and the role of public officials in potentially facilitating criminal activities.
The actions of Joel and Nancy Cano will continue to be scrutinized as more details emerge from the investigation.
