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6d ago

New Mexico Judge Resigns After Alleged Gang Member Arrested at His Home

Magistrate Judge Jose Cano stepped down following the arrest of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected Tren de Aragua affiliate, amid ongoing investigations into ties to the Venezuelan terrorist group.

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Alleged Tren de Aragua gang member Cristhian Ortega-Lopez is pictured in a social media post discovered by investigators.
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Overview

  • Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, 23, was arrested in February 2025 at Judge Cano's home on charges of being an unlawful alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
  • Prosecutors allege Ortega-Lopez has ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, with evidence including tattoos, social media posts, and graphic images found on his phone.
  • Judge Cano allowed Ortega-Lopez to use his residential address for an immigration filing and resigned on March 3, the same day Ortega-Lopez appeared in court.
  • Ortega-Lopez entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023, was briefly detained, and later moved into a casita on the Cano family's property after meeting Cano's wife in El Paso.
  • The case reflects broader challenges in U.S. border enforcement and detention policies, as well as concerns about Tren de Aragua's infiltration following its designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.