DOJ reveals new details after arrest of former New Mexico judge, wife

A former New Mexico judge and his wife have found themselves in hot water after being accused of harboring an illegal immigrant believed to be a member of Venezuela’s notorious Tren de Aragua gang. Joel Cano, 68, and Nancy Cano, 67, were arrested after federal agents raided their Las Cruces home, uncovering evidence of their alleged involvement in aiding Cristhian Ortega-Lopez.

Ortega-Lopez came under the Department of Homeland Security’s radar due to suspicions of illegal entry into the U.S. and possession of firearms. Images and videos on social media showed him with other illegal immigrants handling guns, including high-powered weapons like a SIG Sauer P365 pistol and an AR-15 rifle with a suppressor. These posts also revealed ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, with gang-related tattoos and other indicators of affiliation.

Following a tip-off that Ortega-Lopez was residing with other illegal immigrants on the Cano’s property, federal agents conducted a search and seized four guns, including the ones used in the social media posts. During the search, Ortega-Lopez was allowed a phone call, during which he indicated that a missing phone was not recovered. Subsequent calls and messages revealed that Nancy Cano had facilitated communication between Ortega-Lopez and others, including a FaceTime call with someone named Michelle.

Further investigations led to the discovery that Joel Cano had destroyed Ortega-Lopez’s missing phone with a hammer and disposed of it in a dumpster to conceal incriminating evidence. The couple faces charges of evidence tampering, with potential penalties of up to 15 years in prison.

In a separate incident in Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested for allegedly obstructing the arrest of an illegal immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who had been deported previously. Dugan allegedly interfered with federal agents trying to arrest Flores-Ruiz inside a courthouse, ultimately allowing him to evade arrest through a restricted exit.

Flores-Ruiz, who had a history of domestic abuse-related charges, was eventually apprehended outside the courthouse after a brief chase. Dugan faces charges of obstructing proceedings before a federal agency and concealing a person to prevent arrest, with a potential sentence of up to six years in prison.

These cases highlight the serious consequences of aiding illegal immigrants and obstructing justice. The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting individuals who flout the law, regardless of their profession, to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law.