Supreme Court Dismisses Democratic Judge After Arrest of Alleged Tren de Aragua Gang Member at His Home – One America News Network
OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
5:40 PM – Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Records from the State Supreme Court reveal that a Democratic judge in New Mexico, accused of housing a Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang member, has been permanently removed from his judicial position.
Advertisement
The Supreme Court of New Mexico has imposed sanctions on Judge Jose “Joel” Cano, which resulted in the postponement of the disciplinary hearings initially set for Thursday.
In February, Department of Homeland Security agents detained Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected TdA gang member, at Cano’s home, prompting Cano’s resignation in March.
According to court documents, Ortega-Lopez is “an illegal alien from Venezuela and a suspected member of a criminal gang,” who was “living with other illegal aliens” and “in possession of firearms.”
The investigation by Homeland Security Investigations Las Cruces began in January.
As indicated by the directive, former Judge Cano “is permanently barred from holding any judicial office, running for a judicial position, and exercising any judicial authority within the state.” Furthermore, he is also prohibited from officiating weddings in New Mexico.
“The court was due to hold oral arguments regarding disciplinary cases this Thursday, but the argument has been canceled now that the cases are resolved,” Fox News reported.
Judge Cano previously served on the Las Cruces Doña Ana County Magistrate Court. Although the press acquired his resignation letter dated March 3rd, a spokesperson from the Administrative Office of the Courts stated that neither the Supreme Court nor the 3rd Judicial District Court received it until March 31st.
Images discovered on social media from 2024 show 23-year-old Ortega-Lopez at a Christmas celebration with Judge Cano, alongside other images of the two dining together.
In Cano’s resignation letter, he claims to have left his position on March 21st. Nevertheless, sources indicate that he was “politely asked to resign” by his superiors to minimize further embarrassment.
“Wishing all of you the best,” he stated. “I hope you all enjoy a happy retirement whenever that may be.”
Stay updated! Get breaking news alerts delivered directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here: https://www.oann.com/alerts
Advertisements below