Federal Agents Arrest Juan and Nancy Cano
Federal agents arrested former New Mexico Magistrate Judge Juan Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, this week. The couple faces serious charges for allegedly sheltering an undocumented immigrant linked to a violent Venezuelan gang.
Shocking Ties to Tren de Aragua
The immigrant, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, is suspected of being connected to Tren de Aragua. This gang is known for drug trafficking, extortion, and brutal violence across South America.
Arrest Follows Recent Resignation
Judge Cano resigned just weeks before the arrest. His decision came after a federal raid on his home in Doña Ana County. During that raid, agents found Ortega-Lopez living on the property.
Guns, Gang Allegations, and Social Media Evidence
Authorities say Ortega-Lopez, a Venezuelan national, possessed several firearms illegally. He allegedly posted pictures and videos online showing him with those weapons. Some images reportedly show him at a Las Cruces shooting range, holding rifles and posing.
Guest House Behind Cano’s Home
Court documents reveal Ortega-Lopez lived in a small guest house behind the Cano residence. He had entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023 through Eagle Pass, Texas. Overcrowded detention facilities led to his release under “humanitarian parole.”
Family Ties and Firearms Access
Prosecutors believe Ortega-Lopez grew close to April Cano, the judge’s stepdaughter. She allegedly gave him access to her firearms and allowed him to use them. Several photos and videos from Facebook show him holding those weapons.
Disturbing Court Evidence
One key photo now part of the case shows Ortega-Lopez smiling next to Judge Cano. In another video, Ortega-Lopez hands a rifle to both Juan and Nancy Cano. This material plays a major role in the government’s argument to deny bail.
Judge Banned from Holding Office
On Tuesday, the New Mexico Supreme Court took swift action. They permanently barred Juan Cano from ever serving in judicial office again.
Viral Video Captures Arrest
A video shared widely online shows federal agents arresting both Juan and Nancy Cano. The arrest happened at their home in broad daylight.
Homeland Security Leads the Investigation
KFOX14 and CBS4 were at the scene during the arrest. ICE confirmed Nancy Cano was taken in for questioning. Homeland Security Investigations is leading the ongoing case.
Undocumented Immigrant Worked at Cano Home
Reports say Nancy Cano originally hired Ortega-Lopez to do repair work. Later, she allegedly allowed him to stay on the property. Investigators uncovered strong signs linking Ortega-Lopez to Tren de Aragua. These include gang-related tattoos, clothing, voicemails, and text messages.
🚨BREAKING: First ARRESTS just made —
— Tony Lane 🇺🇸 (@TonyLaneNV) April 24, 2025
FBI takes New Mexico immigration judge Juan Cano and his wife into custody… accused of harboring a Tren de Aragua gang member inside their own home.
This is WILD. You can’t make this up.
How deep does this go?
Thoughts? ⬇️ 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/NuPsNWSktM
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