Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano has resigned following the arrest of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an alleged member of the Tren de Aragua gang, at Cano's home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan national, was taken into custody on February 28 on charges of being an unlawful alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Judge Cano's resignation, effective March 21, came shortly after the arrest, although his resignation letter did not specify the reason for stepping down. According to the Albuquerque Journal, Ortega-Lopez had been living in a casita behind the judge's residence, a situation reportedly facilitated by Cano's wife, Nancy.

The arrest followed a search warrant executed by ICE agents. Prosecutors presented evidence, including social media images, showing Ortega-Lopez and Judge Cano together, and videos of Ortega-Lopez handling firearms at a local gun range. During the investigation, a cache of weapons was found at the home of April Cano, Nancy Cano's daughter, who allegedly allowed Ortega-Lopez access to her firearms.

Ortega-Lopez remains in custody without bond at the Doña Ana County Detention Center. The case has raised questions about the Cano family's involvement, though no charges have been filed against them.

Judge Cano, a former police officer, had served as a magistrate since 2011, running unopposed in recent elections.

Dan Caplis