A former judge in New Mexico, Joel Cano, was arrested by federal agents for allegedly tampering with evidence related to a suspected gang member of the Tren de Aragua (TdA). Cano, who served as a magistrate in Doña Ana County, is accused of destroying a cellphone that possibly contained evidence against Cristhian Adrian Ortega-Lopez, a Venezuelan man residing illegally on his property. Ortega-Lopez is linked to gang activity, and the illicit actions of Cano allegedly resulted in obstructing the investigation into Ortega-Lopez’s status and criminal associations.
Cano’s arrest coincided with the arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan from Milwaukee County, who is accused of assisting another undocumented immigrant by facilitating his unauthorized exit through a nonpublic door in her courthouse. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized a stringent approach under the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy toward illegal immigration, stating that any accomplices, including judges, would be prosecuted.
Cano, who resigned earlier this spring following a federal search of his property, allegedly used a hammer to destroy Ortega-Lopez’s cellphone, which could have contained incriminating photos. Federal complaints indicate that the investigation began with an anonymous tip linking Ortega-Lopez to gang membership, supported by his tattoos. Cano’s wife, Nancy, was also charged with conspiracy to tamper with evidence, accused of instructing Ortega-Lopez to delete incriminating posts on social media.
Both Canos have been booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center without bond, and the situation surrounding their legal representation is unclear. Previous court rulings regarding Ortega-Lopez indicated his release into Nancy Cano’s custody was revoked based on further evidence concerning his gang affiliations and threats to public safety. A hearing for Ortega-Lopez is planned for Tuesday.
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