New Mexico Judge Joel Cano Resigns After Housing Alleged Tren de Aragua Member

Resignation of Judge Joel Cano

• ⚖️ New Mexico Judge Joel Cano has resigned following allegations that he housed a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member on his property.
• 📌 The resignation occurred without explanation shortly after the incident came to light.

Allegations and Court Documents

• 🔍 Homeland Security Investigations agents raided Judge Cano's property in late February, arresting Christian Ortega Lopez for illegal entry and firearm possession.
• 🏡 Court documents state Ortega Lopez was offered lodging in a casita on the couple's property after being evicted from an El Paso apartment.
• 💬 Ortega Lopez reportedly performed odd jobs for Cano's wife and was introduced to their daughter, April Kano, who allegedly allowed him to handle and shoot firearms.
• ⚠️ Documents also indicate Ortega Lopez admitted to knowing his firearm possession was illegal, noting his Tren de Aragua tattoos as identifiers.

Judicial Standards and Consequences

• 🚫 The state judicial standards commission petitioned the New Mexico Supreme Court to suspend Judge Cano for harboring a gang member.
• 🔗 The Supreme Court subsequently barred Cano for life from holding or running for any judicial office.
• ❓ There is currently no indication that Judge Cano is under investigation by other authorities.

Suspect's Entry and Release

• 🛂 Ortega Lopez reportedly entered the U.S. illegally in Eagle Pass, Texas, in December 2023.
• 📄 He was subsequently released with a notice to appear, despite the allegations.