Democrat Judge RESIGNS After Federal Agents Arrest Illegal Gang Member With Gun At His Home
By Kaley
A longtime Democrat Magistrate Judge in New Mexico suddenly resigned after federal agents arrested a suspected illegal gang member at his home.
Joel Cano, who served as judge in Doña Ana County since 2011, turned in his resignation letter just days after federal law enforcement raided his residence and arrested 23-year-old Cristhian Ortega-Lopez.
Originally from Venezuela, Ortega-Lopez was living in the U.S. illegally and is allegedly a member of the violent Tren de Aragua gang.
Court filings suggest that Ortega-Lopez was specifically living in a “casita” behind Judge Cano’s residence. The two became acquainted after Christhian met Judge Cano’s wife, Nancy, while working as a handyman.
During the raid, federal agents also discovered that Ortega-Lopez was in possession of multiple firearms.
Here are the shocking details:
New Mexico Judge Jose “Joel” Cano (D) has abruptly resigned after Christhain Ortega-Lopez, an alleged Tren De Aragua gang member was arrested living on the Judge’s Property.
If you weren’t sure if Democrats indeed sided with ILLEGAL GANG MEMBERS over Americans this should clear… pic.twitter.com/1KPRxdogfc
— Clyp Keeper (@DGrayTexas45) April 19, 2025
NEW: Democrat Judge from New Mexico Abruptly Resigns After Suspected Tren de Aragua Gang Member Is Arrested for Firearm Possession at His Residence
Judge Jose “Joel” Cano reportedly submitted a letter of resignation in March.
In February, HSI Venezuelan national El Paso… pic.twitter.com/w0QG5WW5mm
— I Meme Therefore I Am
(@ImMeme0) April 19, 2025
Democrat Judge from New Mexico Abruptly Resigns After Suspected Tren de Aragua Gang Member Is Arrested for Firearm Possession at His Residence
Judge Jose “Joel” Cano reportedly submitted a letter of resignation in March.
In February, HSI Venezuelan national El Paso arrested Cristhian Ortega-Lopez at a Las Cruces residence owned by Judge Cano following an anonymous tip.
Ortega-Lopez had been residing in New Mexico after reportedly being apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in December 2023 at Eagle Pass, Texas, following an illegal entry into the country by scaling a barbed wire fence. Despite the arrest, he was released just three days later due to overcrowding in detention facilities.
He has been charged via criminal complaint with unlawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition as an illegal alien. He will remain in custody until his trial, which has yet to be scheduled. If found guilty, he could face up to 15 years in prison.