A Democratic judge in the state of New Mexico resigned last month after federal agents arrested an undocumented immigrant with alleged ties to Tren de Aragua, one of the most violent gangs of Venezuelan origin, at his residence.
Arrest following flight risk warnings
The detainee, identified as Cristhian Ortega-López, 23 years old and Venezuelan national, was arrested after a hearing in which the prosecution argued that he represented a high flight risk. Ortega-López allegedly entered the United States illegally through Eagle Pass, Texas, in December 2023, during a period of heavy congestion at immigration detention centers. A few days later, he was released on parole due to overcrowding.
He lived in the judge's house and used his address for immigration proceedings
Once released, Ortega-Lopez moved to New Mexico, where he began residing on the property of Judge Joel Cano, who also allowed him to use his home address to regularize his immigration status. Cano, a former police officer, has been accused of facilitating this stay, although no charges have been filed against him or his wife, Nancy, so far.
