A former judge from New Mexico, Jose Luis “Joel” Cano, has been arrested on allegations of tampering with evidence, specifically for destroying a tenant’s phone. The tenant, who reportedly possessed firearms and is suspected of gang involvement, called into question Cano’s actions.
Cano, who previously served as a Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge, is said to have tried to dispose of the phone by smashing it with a hammer. He allegedly did this suspecting that the photos or videos on the phone could implicate the tenant negatively. The incident has led to Cano’s resignation, which followed the state Judicial Standards Commission’s attempt to suspend him for allegations related to harboring individuals suspected of being members of the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, on his property.
In court, Cano disputed allegations that his tenants, who were identified by authorities as gang members, were actually involved in any criminal activities. He argued that the men had been through thorough immigration proceedings and were only linked to gang activities after a raid by federal agents. The tenants reportedly told Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, that they were asylum seekers, presenting paperwork to corroborate their claims.
This case has parallels with another situation involving the FBI arresting a Milwaukee judge who is accused of assisting an individual in evading immigration officials, highlighting the tensions sparked by the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies.
In the New Mexico case, federal agents contend that the destroyed phone held incriminating images of the tenant, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, allegedly holding firearms. These images, according to authorities, also appeared on social media and purportedly displayed indicators aligning with the Tren de Aragua gang, including tattoos and hand gestures.
President Donald Trump expressed shock over the unfolding events, labeling them “pretty surprising” and “terrible.” Meanwhile, Nancy Cano faces accusations of conspiracy to tamper with evidence, related to her alleged attempt to remove traces of gang affiliation from Ortega-Lopez’s social media accounts.
Video footage captured by a local news station showed the dramatic arrest of the former judge, escorted in handcuffs and a casual outfit from his residence. Similarly, his wife was shown handcuffed alongside federal agents. Attempts by news agencies to reach Cano and his legal representatives have not yielded responses, as further legal proceedings against the Canos and Ortega-Lopez continue. Ortega-Lopez is also facing charges of being an undocumented immigrant found in possession of firearms, complicating the already complex case.