A New Mexico judge resigned from the bench after a member of the Tren de Aragua gang was arrested at his home.
Doña Ana County Magistrate Joel Cano’s resignation dated March 3, but a spokesman for the Court Management Office (AOC) told Fox News Digital that it was not received by the Supreme Court and the Third Judicial District Court until March 31.
In January, Las Cruces, a homeland security investigation, began investigating Christian Ortegalopez, a Venezuelan native, “an incorrect alien from Venezuela and a crime gang.”
On February 28, two search warrants were executed at a family inspector identified as owned by Kanon’s wife, Nancy Kano. Ortega Lopez and his roommate were taken into custody, and the agents “confiscated four firearms from April Cano’s residence.” April Cano is the daughter of Nancy and Joel, court documents say.
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Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a member of the Tren de Aragua gang, is said to be portrayed on a social media account discovered by investigators. (US District Court for the District of New Mexico)
Ortega Lopez was discovered by investigators equipped with weapons in a social media post. Some of them said it was owned by April Cano, who “allowed him to hold various firearms and sometimes shoot them.”
Ortega Lopez granted illegal entry from Mexico to the United States in December 2023, according to court documents. He allegedly told investigators he lives in an El Paso apartment with five others when he met Nancy Cano “to install a glass door for her.”
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Look at the Doñaana County Magistrates’ Court in Las Cruces, New Mexico. (Google Maps)
“He went on to do some work for Nancy Cano and after being kicked out of the apartment in April 2024, Nancy Cano provided a ‘casita’ behind the residence she shared with her husband, Joel Cano,” court documents say.
The suspect first appeared at Las Cruces Court on March 3rd. During the detention hearing on March 14, US Magistrate Judge Damian L. Martinez asked Assistant U.S. Attorney (“AUSA”) Maria Almijo if he knew Judge Kano. ”
When Arminho said she didn’t, Judge Martinez said he had met him “a few times” outside the courtroom, adding, “He doesn’t think anyone will live in his property.”
Martinez decided Ortega Lopez was “not a flight risk or danger to the community,” and ordered him to be released. On April 8, a complaint was filed by a US assistant attorney to reconsider Ortega Lopez’s pretrial release order.
Records from the Doña Ana County Assessor’s Office say Home Ortega Lopez has been arrested.
Kano’s resignation letter said his last day at work was March 21st.
“It’s the best thing for you guys,” Joel Cano wrote. “I wish you all a happy retirement when you’re ready.”
According to a resignation letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano resigned in March. (istock)
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A spokesman for the AOC told Fox News Digital in an email that Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham “is appointed someone to fill the vacancy through the remainder of the judge’s unexpired four-year term, which will run until the end of 2026.”
“The Supreme Court is scheduled for oral discussion on April 24th. This will be published and will be live streamed regarding Judge Kano,” spokesman Barry Massey said.
