The FBI has arrested former New Mexico Magistrate Judge Juan Cano, a Democrat, and his wife, Nancy Cano, for allegedly harboring an illegal alien with suspected ties to Tren de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan gang notorious for human trafficking, extortion, and brutal crimes. This bombshell arrest comes just weeks after Cano abruptly resigned from his judicial post following a federal raid on his Doña Ana County home, where agents apprehended Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an illegal immigrant charged with unlawful firearm possession and gang affiliation.
As The Gateway Pundit first reported, Judge Cano—a former police officer and longtime Democrat—resigned in disgrace after federal agents uncovered his shocking ties to Ortega-Lopez, a suspected Tren de Aragua member. According to court documents, Ortega-Lopez had unlawfully entered the U.S. by scaling the border fence in Eagle Pass, Texas, before being released on “humanitarian parole”—a direct result of Joe Biden’s catastrophic open-border policies.
Liberal Media Silent as Democrat Judge Shields Criminal Alien
While the liberal media remains eerily silent on this scandal, the facts are undeniable. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) acted on an anonymous tip in January 2025, leading them to Ortega-Lopez, who was illegally residing in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and flaunting firearms on social media. Investigators discovered that Ortega-Lopez had been living in a “casita” behind Judge Cano’s residence after allegedly meeting Nancy Cano while doing handyman work.
Even more damning, social media evidence shows Ortega-Lopez smiling alongside Judge Cano, as well as footage of him handing rifles to both Cano and his wife. One photo submitted in federal court depicts Ortega-Lopez posing with a long gun—proof of the judge’s blatant disregard for the law.
“Agents recovered four firearms from the neighboring property owned by April Cano, the judge’s stepdaughter,” prosecutors revealed. “Ortega-Lopez admitted to firing them.”
Biden’s Border Crisis Unleashes Violent Gangs into American Communities
This case is a direct consequence of Biden’s failed immigration policies, which have allowed violent criminals like Ortega-Lopez to infiltrate American neighborhoods. Unlike the Trump administration, which prioritized border security and deportations, Biden’s reckless agenda has turned every town into a potential sanctuary for gang members.
Per the court document, Ortega-Lopez was introduced to Nany Cano’s daughter, April Cano, who possessed a large number of firearms. Ortega-Lopez advised that April Cano allowed him to hold and sometimes shoot various firearms. Ortega-Lopez admitted that he recognized four firearms… pic.twitter.com/tLE2CGtLpA
— Wid Lyman (@Wid_Lyman) April 18, 2025
Ortega-Lopez, who entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023, was released into the interior due to Biden’s catch-and-release disaster. Now, he faces up to 15 years in prison for being an illegal alien in possession of firearms—a charge that highlights the deadly consequences of weak border enforcement.
A review of Ortega-Lopez's social media shows him shooting at a local range and holding multiple firearms. The page also shows photos of what appears to be Judge Cano and Ortega-Lopez socializing, including Ortega-Lopez passing a long rifle to both Judge Cano and Nancy.
*Video… pic.twitter.com/2rAzGjPI4k
— Wid Lyman (@Wid_Lyman) April 18, 2025
New Mexico Supreme Court Bans Cano from Judiciary for Life
In a rare move, the New Mexico Supreme Court permanently barred Cano from holding judicial office again—a clear message that corruption and collusion with criminal aliens will not be tolerated. Yet, the liberal media continues to ignore the story, proving their complicity in covering up Democrat scandals.
Original post by @AliBradleyTV https://t.co/QWkNAtXTJQ
HSI Post https://t.co/Zz1grivndI
ICE Press Release https://t.co/iU1JK1rnkH
NM AG Release https://t.co/cUUPARiVIG
— Wid Lyman (@Wid_Lyman) April 18, 2025
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned about the dangers of unchecked illegal immigration, calling for mass deportations and an end to sanctuary cities. This case proves Trump was right all along—weak borders invite crime and corruption.