Department of Homeland Security Criticizes Judge for Harboring Illegal Gang Member
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is taking aim at a Democratic judge for allegedly facilitating the presence of an illegal gang member who recently admitted to charges related to firearm possession and evidence tampering.
This all revolves around Cristian Ortega López, a Venezuelan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally in 2023. He was apprehended in February while staying at the home of former Doña Ana County Judge Jose Luis “Joel” Cano, 67, and his wife, Nancy Ann Cano, 68.
Authorities have connected Ortega López to the notorious Venezuelan criminal organization, Torren de Aragua, which the Trump administration has classified as a foreign terrorist group, largely due to his firearm use and social media posts showcasing distinct gang signs and apparel.
Earlier this month, Ortega López pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm and conspiracy to destroy evidence.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin remarked that the judge’s actions exemplify a troubling trend among “sanctuary politicians” who are undermining U.S. laws to protect criminal undocumented immigrants.
“Sanctuary politicians and activist judges keep protecting criminal illegal aliens, in this case, suspected gang members, from being arrested and deported,” she commented to Fox News Digital.
McLaughlin expressed concern, noting, “Judge Cano has taken activism to a new level by allowing this illegal alien to reside in his home.” She insisted that Ortega López, a suspected Torren de Aragua gang member, should never have been allowed into the U.S.
She added that such actions are “completely unacceptable” and will not be overlooked in the current administration, emphasizing that the safety of Americans is paramount.
A senior DHS official also shared that they would not let a potential government shutdown by the Democrats hinder law enforcement’s efforts to safeguard the nation from serious criminal threats.
Federal agents discovered Ortega López was residing with other undocumented individuals at the Cano home, which triggered a search that led to multiple firearm seizures on February 28.
Following his arrest, investigators identified four guns and three cell phones. Strange details emerged when Ortega López attempted to use a phone not recovered during the search. A video call later showed Nancy Cano holding what appeared to be his missing phone, according to prosecutors.
In another call, Nancy Cano allegedly contacted someone named “Michelle” via WhatsApp, facilitating a FaceTime call with Ortega López. The conversations included talks about deleting social media accounts that featured potentially damaging content about their involvement in criminal activities.
In a revealing back-and-forth, Judge Cano admitted to destroying a device he thought contained incriminating evidence involving Ortega López. This admission came after federal authorities searched for that very phone, which he had smashed and disposed of.
Judge Cano resigned in March amid these allegations and was arrested alongside his wife on April 24. Both were released after posting $10,000 bail and now face up to 15 years in prison for their roles in tampering with evidence and conspiracy.
As of now, Fox News Digital reached out for a comment from the Canos’ attorney but hasn’t received a response yet.
