Former New Mexico Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife face allegations of harboring a member of a notorious Venezuelan gang while destroying evidence of the suspect's criminal activities.
According to Fox News, the couple was released on Tuesday on $10,000 bond each after being arrested last month for tampering with evidence related to their alleged protection of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an illegal immigrant identified as a member of the Tren de Aragua gang.
Federal authorities launched their investigation after receiving a January 2025 tip about Ortega-Lopez's presence at the Canos' Las Cruces residence. The information suggested the gang member was living with other undocumented immigrants and had access to firearms, raising immediate concerns for law enforcement.
Housing arrangement leads to criminal charges
Nancy Cano initially hired Ortega-Lopez, who entered the United States illegally in 2023, for home repairs before offering him accommodation in their guesthouse. This decision would later entangle the couple in a federal investigation spanning multiple law enforcement agencies.
The investigation revealed disturbing evidence of Ortega-Lopez's gang affiliations through social media posts and messages recovered from his devices. These materials showed him firing weapons and confirmed his connection to Tren de Aragua, which has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
Joel Cano admitted to investigators that he deliberately destroyed Ortega-Lopez's phone with a hammer and disposed of it in a city dumpster, believing it contained incriminating evidence of the gang member's firearms possession.
Evidence destruction and judicial consequences
Attorney General Pam Bondi delivered a stern message regarding the case:
The rule of law is very simple: It doesn't matter what line of work you're in. If you break the law, we will follow the facts, and we will prosecute you.
The discovery of Joel Cano's involvement in destroying evidence led to immediate professional consequences. He resigned from his position as magistrate judge in March 2025, and the New Mexico Supreme Court subsequently issued a permanent ban preventing him from holding any future judicial office in the state.
Federal agents recovered additional phones belonging to Ortega-Lopez during their investigation. These devices contained crucial evidence documenting his gang affiliations and illegal firearm possession, including videos showing him shooting an AR-15 style rifle equipped with a suppressor.
Legal proceedings and potential penalties
The couple's release on bond comes with specific conditions that must be followed while they await trial. Their case has drawn significant attention due to Joel Cano's former position as a magistrate judge and the serious nature of harboring a member of a designated terrorist organization.
Ortega-Lopez faces separate charges related to being an illegal immigrant in possession of firearms and ammunition. The evidence recovered from his other devices has strengthened the prosecution's case against both him and the Canos.
The investigation has highlighted the complex intersection of immigration enforcement, gang activity, and the accountability of public officials. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate potential connections and additional evidence in the case.
Where the case stands now
The Canos' release on bond marks a new phase in this complex legal case involving a former judge and his wife who allegedly provided shelter to a member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Joel and Nancy Cano face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the charges against them, while their alleged involvement with Ortega-Lopez has already resulted in Joel Cano's permanent disqualification from holding judicial office in New Mexico. The case continues to develop as federal authorities pursue their investigation into both the couple's actions and Ortega-Lopez's illegal activities.
