Former New Mexico Judge and Wife Arrested for Harboring Alleged Gang Member

In a significant escalation of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, were arrested Thursday after federal agents raided their Las Cruces home. The couple is accused of harboring Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an alleged illegal immigrant and believed member of Venezuela’s notorious Tren de Aragua gang.

Investigators revealed Ortega-Lopez had been hired by Nancy Cano for home repairs and later offered accommodation in the couple’s guesthouse. Evidence linking Ortega-Lopez to the gang, including clothing, tattoos, and communications, was uncovered during the investigation. Ortega-Lopez had entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023 and was released due to facility overcrowding. Court documents also detail that four firearms were seized from the residence of the Canos’ daughter, April, with social media posts showing Ortega-Lopez posing with weapons.

Joel Cano resigned from his judicial position in March and was permanently barred by the New Mexico Supreme Court from holding judicial office in the state.

Just a day later, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested in Wisconsin for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, evade ICE officers after a court hearing. Flores-Ruiz was later caught following a chase. Dugan faces federal charges of obstructing justice and concealing an individual to prevent arrest.

Speaking after the arrests, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a strong warning directed at members of the judiciary. Appearing on Fox News, Bondi stated, “No one is above the law in this country.” She continued, “If you are destroying evidence, if you’re obstructing justice, it will not be tolerated, and it is a crime in the United States of America. Doesn’t matter who you are, you’re going to be prosecuted.”

Bondi did not shy away from the broader implications of the arrests, tying them to the administration’s frustrations with parts of the judiciary. “What has happened to our judiciary is beyond me,” she said. “I think some of these judges think they are beyond and above the law, and they are not.” When asked directly what her message was to judges obstructing immigration enforcement efforts, Bondi responded bluntly, “We are going to prosecute you, and we are prosecuting you.”