Magistrate Judge Jose “Joel” Cano of New Mexico has now reportedly resigned after it was revealed that he harbored an alleged member of the Tren de Aragua gang in his home.
Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, 23, was arrested on February 28 and charged with being an unlawful alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Ortega-Lopez entered the U.S. illegally near Eagle Pass, Texas, and was briefly held by Border Patrol before being released due to overcrowding.
Ortega-Lopez met Cano’s wife, Nancy, in El Paso, where he was working as a construction worker. She invited him to stay in a small house behind their residence.
Following his arrest, prosecutors noted that Cano, a former police officer, allowed Ortega-Lopez to use the judge’s home address for an immigration relief request.
Court documents also revealed that Cano’s daughter owned a nearby home where Ortega-Lopez had access to numerous firearms.
Social media posts shared by Ortega-Lopez, which were obtained by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, depicted him with gang tattoos and at shooting ranges holding firearms.
Disturbingly, images on his phone included graphic content of decapitated bodies.
In response to the situation, President Donald Trump had previously labeled Tren de Aragua a Foreign Terrorist Organization, highlighting its involvement in severe crimes such as murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.
He stated that the gang operates alongside the Cártel de los Soles and poses a significant threat to U.S. public safety and democracy.
Cano’s resignation comes amid growing scrutiny over his actions and the implications for public trust in the judicial system.
The case raises serious concerns about the intersection of law enforcement and criminal organizations in the U.S.
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