Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano has resigned following the arrest of an alleged member of the Tren de Aragua gang at a property linked to him. Cano's resignation letter, dated March 3, was not processed by the Supreme Court and the Third Judicial District Court until March 31.
The investigation began in January when Homeland Security Investigations identified Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a Venezuelan national suspected of gang affiliation, residing with other undocumented individuals and possessing firearms. On February 28, law enforcement executed search warrants at a home owned by Cano's wife, Nancy Cano, leading to Ortega-Lopez's arrest along with several roommates. Authorities seized four firearms from the property, which is also associated with April Cano, the couple's daughter.
Investigators found Ortega-Lopez, who allegedly entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023, posing with firearms on social media, reportedly belonging to April Cano. He claimed to have met Nancy Cano while performing a job at her residence and subsequently moved into a small dwelling on their property after being evicted from a previous living situation.
In a court hearing on March 14, U.S. Magistrate Judge Damian L. Martinez noted he had encountered Judge Cano outside of court but did not believe he would allow just anyone to reside at his property. Martinez ultimately ruled that Ortega-Lopez was not a flight risk or a danger to the community, leading to his release. A motion to reconsider this decision was filed on April 8.
Cano's resignation came as the Administrative Office of the Courts stated that New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham would appoint a successor for the remainder of Cano's term, which is set to conclude at the end of 2026. An oral argument concerning Cano's situation is scheduled for April 24.