A Doña Ana County magistrate judge has abruptly stepped down after an alleged Tren de Aragua gang affiliate who is in the U.S. illegally was reportedly arrested at his home and charged with possession of a firearm or ammunition.
Judge Jose “Joel” Cano reportedly submitted a letter of resignation on Mar. 3 of this year.
Judge Cano, a former police officer who took the bench in 2011, told a Border Hawk source that he did indeed resign but did not comment further.
Border Hawk contacted the judge’s office on Apr. 1 and was told by a clerk that he had “retired.”
On Feb. 28, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso arrested Cristhian Ortega-Lopez at a Las Cruces residence owned by Judge Cano following an anonymous tip.
Ortega-Lopez was reportedly caught by U.S. Border Patrol on Dec. 15, 2023, at Eagle Pass, TX, after illegally entering the U.S. by scaling a barbed wire fence, but was released three days later due to overcrowding at holding facilities.
Ortega-Lopez is a Venezuelan national and authorities believe he has ties to Tren de Aragua, based on tattoos, apparel, and displaying of hand gestures.
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