Former magistrate judge Joel Cano and his spouse, Nancy, were detained in their Las Cruces, New Mexico, home on charges of harboring criminals.
According to Breitbart, the couple's arrest connects them with members of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, a known terrorist group.
The couple's legal troubles began with a police raid on their residence, which previously led Joel Cano to relinquish his judicial position in Dona Ana County. This major operation highlighted their alleged connections to illegal activities.
The arrested duo was taken into custody on a Thursday, with law enforcement executing search and arrest warrants at their premises. This action is part of a broader investigation into their dealings with gang-related elements.
Central to the investigation was Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan migrant suspected of affiliations with the Tren de Aragua gang. Ortega-Lopez was apprehended in an earlier raid at the Cano residence, unveiling his illegal entry into the U.S. in December 2023 and his possession of firearms.
Upon his arrest, distinct gang-related tattoos were noted on his body, strengthening the suspicions of his gang ties. His presence at Cano's house implied a deeper involvement of the former judge in illegal activities.
Investigators also discovered additional firearms in a neighboring property owned by Nancy Cano’s daughter, expanding the scope of the criminal involvement and complicating the legal situation for the Cano family.
Following the arrest, Joel and Nancy Cano were held at the Dona Ana County Detention Center without bond. The severity of the allegations against them prompted serious judicial actions to ensure they remained in custody.
The New Mexico Supreme Court took the matter further, issuing a ruling that permanently barred Joel Cano from ever holding judicial office again in the state, a significant fall from grace for the former magistrate judge. This drastic measure underscores the gravity of the situation and the state's intent to maintain judicial integrity by distancing the judiciary from any form of criminal involvement.
As for Ortega-Lopez, the man found in the Canos' residence, he faces considerable legal challenges. Not only is his immigration status precarious, but his alleged gang connections have led prosecutors to deem him a flight risk.
This assessment played a crucial role in the proceedings, influencing decisions on his detention and upcoming court appearances. His scheduled court date in the New Mexico District Court will likely be a key event in unfolding the extent of his criminal activities and affiliations. The case has drawn considerable attention due to its implications on immigration and crime, highlighting the challenges of dealing with international gangs within U.S. borders.
The local community and broader judicial circles have reacted with concern and dismay to the revelations around Joel Cano. His career in the judiciary had been marked by his role as a gatekeeper of justice, making his alleged misconduct particularly disheartening.
This case sheds light on the vulnerabilities within the judicial system and the potent influence of organized crime. For the residents of Las Cruces and beyond, it has sparked discussions on the integrity and security of the judicial process.
The ongoing case against the Canos and Ortega-Lopez is set to be a litmus test for the robustness of law enforcement and judicial responses to corruption and criminal infiltration in the U.S. judicial system.