A former New Mexico judge, Joel Cano, was arrested by federal Homeland Security Investigations for tampering with evidence regarding a man suspected of being associated with the Tren de Aragua gang. The criminal complaint against Cano indicates that he destroyed evidence related to the investigation of Cristhian Adrian Ortega-Lopez, an undocumented immigrant living illegally on property owned by Cano and his wife in Las Cruces. The federal investigation began following reports of hidden gang activities.
Cano allegedly smashed a cellphone belonging to Ortega-Lopez, which was sought for evidence of his possession of weapons, some of which may belong to Cano and his family. The judge’s actions correlate with a broader crackdown under the Trump administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal immigration and complicity by public officials. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized this stance, stating that anyone harboring fugitives will face prosecution, regardless of their position.
In a concurrent case, Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade federal authorities. Both cases have been framed as part of a concerted effort to uphold federal immigration law. Cano’s wife, Nancy, also faces charges of conspiracy to tamper with evidence, having advised Ortega-Lopez to delete incriminating posts on social media.
The investigation revealed that at least two other unauthorized Venezuelans might have been living in the same house. Initially released on bail to Nancy’s custody, Ortega-Lopez was later detained due to the discovery of disturbing images on his cellphone. Joel Cano was booked without bond at the Doña Ana County Detention Center, while Nancy was similarly detained. The extent of their legal representation remains unclear.
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