New Mexico
Dem judge in New Mexico steps down after man with alleged Tren de Aragua ties found in his home
A New Mexico judge tendered his resignation last month after immigration authorities detained a suspect with alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua in his home during a late February raid.
Federal agents at the Department of Homeland Security had raided former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Jose “Joel” Cano’s home on Feb. 28 and arrested 23-year-old Venezuelan national Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, court documents reveal.
Authorities also confiscated four firearms from the Cano’s daughter’s residence, which they conducted after obtaining search warrants in response to social media evidence of Ortega-Lopez’s ties to Tren de Aragua, the ruthless Venezuelan prison gang.
Cano, a Democrat who served as a judge since 2011, made no mention of the arrest in his resignation letter, which came days later on March 3.
“Working with each of you has been a very rewarding experience for which I will remain eternally grateful,” Cano wrote in his resignation letter obtained by The Post. “All the best to everyone of you. I wish all of you a happy retirement once you are ready yourself.”
A spokesperson for New Mexico’s Administrative Office of the Courts explained that the state supreme court and the Third Judicial District Court, where Cano was based,” did not receive his resignation until March 31.
Revelations about the alleged gangbanger living in Cano’s residence were first made in court documents seeking to keep Ortega-Lopez in detention. The story has since gained traction in local media, including the Albuquerque Journal newspaper.
Ortega-Lopez began interacting with Cano’s family a little over a year ago after helping the judge’s wife install a glass door and doing other odd jobs for her.
By April of last year, he was booted from his apartment in El Paso that he shared with five others, which prompted Nancy Cano, the judge’s wife, to offer him lodging in the “casita” of their home in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
During his stay, Ortega-Lopez seemingly began to bond with the judge’s daughter, April Cano, “who possessed a large number of firearms” and let him hold onto some of them, per court records.
Ortega-Lopez, who illegally entered the US in 2023 but was released from a US Customs and Border Patrol facility due to overcrowding, admitted that he knew he wasn’t allowed to possess firearms due to his status as an illegal immigrant.
He had climbed over a barbed-wire fence near Eagle Pass, Texas, and copped to illegally entering the US, per court documents.
Authorities had received a tip about Ortega-Lopez and found images of him on social media with tattoos, with clothing and making hand gestures “commonly associated” with Tren de Aragua, court filings claim.
Prosecutors attached images of Ortega-Lopez’s tattoos and other evidence they are leaning on to accuse him of affiliation with Tren de Aragua.
“The Defendant is a danger to the community because he is a member of the United States designated Foreign Terrorist Organization Tren de Aragua and regularly associates with other members,” they wrote in a filing to keep him detained.
Ortega-Lopez was arrested alongside three other Venezuelan illegal migrants as part of an operation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations.
The Post was unable to make contact with Joel Cano for comment.
“The governor will appoint someone to fill the vacancy through the remainder of the judge’s unexpired four-year term that runs until the end of 2026,” New Mexico’s Administrative Office of the Courts spokesperson Barry Massey told the Post.
“Magistrate court judges are elective positions and they will be on the ballot in 2026.”
Ortega-Lopez is charged with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm or ammunition. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years behind bars, according to the Justice Department.
New Mexico
Playoff-Race closing: New Mexico United takes on Colorado Springs Switchbacks – New Mexico United
New Mexico United travels to Colorado Springs this Wednesday for a Western Conference showdown in the USL Championship playoff race.
The Black & Yellow currently sit fifth in the USL Championship, fighting for the postseason and will look to keep building momentum as the regular season winds down. With a few matches remaining, every point matters, and United will aim to deliver a strong midweek performance on the road.
Wednesday’s contest will be the third meeting between United and the Switchbacks FC this year. In their previous two encounters, United secured a home victory in June during the Jagermeister cup, and drew in the first encounter in June. This clash gives United a chance to claim the season series and strengthen their hold on a playoff spot.
Standout Performers: Archimède and Keller
Forward Luther Archimède continues to be a spark for United’s attack, bringing energy, pace, and aerial ability. His late equalizing goal against Monterey Bay highlighted his gift for delivering in clutch moments. The sixth man has contributed two goals in six games off the bench, proving his talent.
Defender Kipp Keller has been a rock at the back for United since arriving, with his calm composure, strength, and sharp defensive instincts. His leadership on the backline and ability to read the game have been crucial in keeping opponents on their toes. His presence will be needed to keep Colorado’s attackers in check.
Milestones in Sight: Tambakis
Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis is on the verge of making USL Championship history, needing just one more clean sheet to become the league’s all-time leader. After recording his 58th career shutout recently—tying the current record held by Evan Newton—Tambakis will have the opportunity to stand alone at the top when United takes the field Wednesday night in Colorado.
About Colorado Springs
The Switchbacks have fought their way into playoff contention with their mix of grit and attacking ability. On the Attacking side Marco Micaletto has been getting it done, leading the team in goals with six. On the back line, Matthew Mahoney provides a physical and clinical presence, leading the Switchbacks in almost every defensive category this season.
Looking Ahead
Following Wednesday’s trip to Colorado, New Mexico United return home hosting Lexington SC on Sunday at 4 PM MT. With the postseason right around the corner, the Black & Yellow remain focused on collecting crucial points and carrying the momentum into October.
Get tickets HERE
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