EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The wife of a former New Mexico judge was taken into custody on Thursday, April 24, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after federal law enforcement learned that their tenant, who is an alleged Tren de Aragua gang member, was arrested at the judge’s home.
A spokesperson with ICE sent the following statement:
“On April 24, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement executed a search warrant and probable cause arrest at a residence in the 1200 block of North Reymond Street in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Homeland Security Investigations special agents working with federal law enforcement partners, took Nancy Cano into custody as part of an ongoing HSI-led criminal investigation.”
As we previously reported, former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano rented out his casita to Cristhian Ortega-Lopez at the behest of his wife last year. They met Ortega-Lopez when his wife hired him to do housework, according to a criminal complaint.
According to court documents obtained by KTSM, the Supreme Court and Third Judicial District Court received Cano’s resignation letter on March 31.
It’s unknown if Cano or his wife knew of Ortega-Lopez’s alleged gang affiliation. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will appoint a new judge who will serve out his term through 2026.
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