A former New Mexico judge is permanently barred from holding judicial office after a suspected member of a violent gang was arrested at a home tied to his family. The state Supreme Court’s decision marks the end of Joel Cano’s legal career and raises broader questions about accountability and the rule of law.
Key Facts:
- Joel Cano, former magistrate judge in Doña Ana County, is permanently banned from holding or running for judicial office in New Mexico.
- On February 28, federal agents arrested Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member, at a home owned by Cano’s wife.
- Authorities seized four firearms from the residence and linked Ortega-Lopez to weapons shown in social media posts.
- Ortega-Lopez, an illegal alien from Venezuela, entered the U.S. in December 2023 and had been living with other undocumented individuals.
- Cano resigned in March 2025, with his resignation processed on March 31.
The Rest of The Story:
Judge Joel Cano resigned after investigators found a suspected gang member living at a home tied to his family.
Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, allegedly linked to the Tren de Aragua criminal network, was taken into custody at a property owned by Cano’s wife, Nancy.
Agents seized firearms from the residence, which court documents say were accessible to Ortega-Lopez and sometimes loaned to him by Cano’s daughter, April.
Ortega-Lopez had entered the U.S. illegally and was initially hired by Nancy Cano for home repairs.
He moved into the family’s “casita” after his eviction from another apartment, according to court records.
Following the arrest, the New Mexico Supreme Court banned Cano from all judicial activity, including wedding officiation.
NEW: New Mexico judge suddenly resigns after ICE arrests an alleged Tren de Aragua gang member in his own home.
What a bizarre story.
Law enforcement executed a search on Magistrate Judge Joel Cano's home before arresting 23-year-old Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, who had ties to… pic.twitter.com/fQJMcy5W2F
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 21, 2025
Commentary:
The New Mexico Supreme Court’s lifetime ban on Joel Cano is a necessary response to a shocking breach of public trust.
This wasn’t a misunderstanding or minor lapse—it was a blatant disregard for the law and basic security standards.
Cano, who once held the power to sentence others, had an illegal alien gang member living under his family’s roof with access to firearms.
That’s not just unethical, it’s criminal.
He should be charged and prosecuted like any citizen who knowingly aids someone tied to organized crime.
This also calls into question every decision he’s ever made from the bench.
His bias, recklessness, and lack of judgment may have impacted countless rulings, and those cases deserve immediate review.
The Bottom Line:
Judge Joel Cano’s conduct went far beyond a lapse in judgment—it was a disgrace to the bench and a threat to public safety.
The state Supreme Court’s decision to ban him from ever serving again is just a first step.
True accountability requires a full investigation, potential prosecution, and a review of his past rulings.
Public trust in the judiciary depends on swift and equal enforcement of the law, no matter the title.
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