A Las Cruces magistrate's sudden resignation has unveiled connections between a state official and members of a designated terrorist organization.

According to The Daily Caller, Dona Ana County Magistrate Judge Jose "Joel" Cano submitted his resignation following the March arrest of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua gang, who was found residing in a guest house on the judge's property.

Federal authorities executed search warrants leading to the arrest of Ortega-Lopez and three other Venezuelan nationals.

The operation, conducted jointly by the Justice Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), revealed multiple firearms in their possession, including pistols, revolvers, shotguns, and rifles.

Venezuelan Gang Member's Path to Judge's Property

Ortega-Lopez entered the United States illegally in December 2023 by climbing over a barbed-wire fence near Eagle Pass, Texas.

Border Patrol initially detained him but later released him into the country due to overcrowded detention facilities during the ongoing border crisis.

The 23-year-old Venezuelan national later encountered Nancy Cano, the judge's wife, who offered him accommodation in a "casita" behind their Las Cruces home. Court documents show that Ortega-Lopez used the Cano residence address when filing for immigration relief in April 2024.

Through his wife's connections, Ortega-Lopez met April Cano, the judge's stepdaughter, who reportedly possessed numerous firearms and allowed him access to various weapons. Social media evidence later surfaced showing Ortega-Lopez handling multiple firearms at a local shooting range.

Federal Investigation Reveals Weapons Cache

Court records indicate that Ortega-Lopez, alongside three other illegal migrants, faces serious charges related to unlawful possession of firearms. Justice Department officials emphasized it is illegal for any undocumented immigrant to possess firearms in the United States.

According to the search warrant execution, authorities discovered an extensive collection of loaded weapons at multiple locations. The operation stemmed from an anonymous tip received by ICE, leading to a comprehensive investigation.

The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of a sitting judge and the connection to Tren de Aragua, which was recently designated as a terrorist organization by U.S. authorities.

Judge Cano's Abrupt Departure and Legal Implications

In his resignation letter addressed to 3rd Judicial District Chief Judge Conrad Perea and court staff, Cano wrote:

Working with each of you has been a very rewarding experience for which I will remain eternally grateful.

The judge's departure marks the end of his tenure that began in 2010 when he was first elected to the bench. Prior to his judicial service, Cano had worked as a police officer, adding another layer of complexity to the current situation.

Current Status and Potential Consequences

Ortega-Lopez and his three co-defendants remain in custody pending trial. If convicted, each faces up to 15 years in prison for illegal possession of firearms as undocumented immigrants.

The case continues to generate significant attention in New Mexico's legal community, particularly given Judge Cano's previous law enforcement background and his long-standing position on the bench.

Investigation Summary and Future Proceedings

Dona Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano resigned following the discovery of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member, living in a guest house on his property.

Federal authorities arrested the Venezuelan national, who entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023, after finding him in possession of multiple firearms.

The case involves complex relationships between the judge's family members and the suspect, including his wife's offer of accommodation and his stepdaughter's alleged involvement with firearms access. Ortega-Lopez and three other Venezuelan nationals now face lengthy prison sentences as their cases move through the federal court system.