Ex-Judge’s Shocking Fall: Cano’s Gang Ties and Evidence Tampering Expose Corruption in New Mexico
Las Cruces, NM — Former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Jose Luis Cano, once a respected figure in New Mexico’s judicial system, now stands at the center of a damning scandal that has exposed deep cracks in the state’s legal establishment. On April 26, 2025, Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, were arrested on federal charges of tampering with evidence tied to an undocumented migrant, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, who authorities allege is linked to the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The case, which CNN has called a stark revelation of judicial corruption, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about accountability among those in power.
The saga began in January 2025 with an anonymous tip to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), alleging that undocumented migrants were living on Cano’s property in Las Cruces and possessing firearms. A raid on February 28 confirmed the presence of Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan who had illegally entered the U.S. in December 2023. Court documents reveal a trove of incriminating evidence: photos and videos of Ortega-Lopez brandishing handguns and assault-style rifles, alongside tattoos, clothing, and hand gestures identified by investigators as hallmarks of Tren de Aragua affiliation—a gang recently designated a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration. Ortega-Lopez now faces charges of illegal firearm possession, with prosecutors citing additional disturbing findings, including images of a decapitated body on his phone.
Cano’s actions after Ortega-Lopez’s arrest have drawn the most scrutiny. Federal complaints state that the former judge admitted to smashing Ortega-Lopez’s cellphone with a hammer five weeks prior, believing it contained photos or videos that could “reflect negatively” on the migrant—specifically, images of him with firearms. Meanwhile, Nancy Cano allegedly conspired with Ortega-Lopez to delete incriminating Facebook posts, further obstructing the investigation. Jose Luis Cano now faces a federal charge of tampering with evidence, while Nancy Cano is charged with conspiracy to tamper. The couple was booked into Doña Ana County Detention Center with no bond listed, signaling the severity of the charges.
In a 23-page letter to the New Mexico Supreme Court, obtained by CNN affiliate KOAT, Cano vehemently denied knowing Ortega-Lopez’s alleged gang ties, stating, “The very first time I ever heard that the men could possibly have any association with Tren de Aragua was when I was informed of that by the agents on the day of the raid.” He defended his decision to let Ortega-Lopez and two other undocumented Venezuelans live in a guesthouse on his property, claiming they were hired for repair work and later offered shelter after an eviction. However, this narrative strains credulity given the social media evidence, which shows Cano and his family socializing with Ortega-Lopez, even posing together in casual settings.
Cano’s resignation in March, shortly after the raid, and the New Mexico Supreme Court’s recent order banning him from ever holding judicial office again, underscore the gravity of the scandal. Public sentiment reflects deep mistrust, with some on X calling the case “a betrayal of justice,” while others question how a judge could be so reckless—or complicit. The timing of Cano’s arrest aligns with broader controversies, such as a Milwaukee judge’s recent arrest for allegedly aiding an undocumented immigrant, highlighting a pattern of judicial overreach that critics argue undermines public safety.
Critically examining the narrative, one must question whether Cano’s claims of ignorance hold water. As a former police officer and judge, he would have been trained to recognize criminal behavior, yet he allowed individuals with questionable backgrounds to reside on his property, even using his address for immigration paperwork. The destruction of evidence suggests a deliberate attempt to shield Ortega-Lopez, raising the possibility of deeper ties to the gang—or at least a willful disregard for the law. While the establishment narrative paints Cano as an outlier, the case may point to systemic issues in how local officials handle immigration and gang-related threats, especially in border states like New Mexico.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the fallout from Cano’s actions will likely reverberate beyond Las Cruces. With Tren de Aragua’s growing presence in the U.S. and the Trump administration’s hardline stance on immigration, this case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of corruption—and the urgent need for accountability at every level of the justice system.
