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New Mexico Supreme Court Issues Lifetime Ban to Judge for Harboring Alleged Gang Member

Judge Joel Cano is permanently barred from judicial office after DHS arrested a suspected Tren de Aragua member at his home.

Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected gang member, along with former judge Joel Cano (L). Ortega-Lopez (R) is seen carrying what appears to be a gun.
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Overview

  • The New Mexico Supreme Court has permanently banned Judge Joel Cano from holding judicial office or exercising any judicial authority in the state.
  • Cano resigned in March 2025 after DHS agents arrested Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an alleged member of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, at his residence.
  • Ortega-Lopez, who entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023, was living in a property owned by Cano's wife after being offered housing by her.
  • A search of the property revealed four firearms in violation of immigration law, and social media posts linked Ortega-Lopez to the gang.
  • The Trump administration designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025, granting immediate removal authority under the Alien Enemies Act.