Overview

• Joel Cano, a former Doña Ana County magistrate judge, and his wife, Nancy, were arrested on April 24, 2025, during a federal raid on their home in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
• The couple is accused of harboring Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an alleged member of the Tren de Aragua gang, and three other suspected gang members who were also living at their residence.
• Joel Cano faces evidence tampering charges, while Nancy Cano has been charged with conspiracy to tamper with evidence, according to Homeland Security Investigations.
• Authorities seized four firearms tied to the couple's daughter, which Ortega-Lopez was reportedly seen posing with in social media posts.
• The investigation highlights broader concerns about judicial misconduct, transnational gang activity in U.S. communities, and challenges in border enforcement policies.