Pam Bondi Issues Shocking Revelations About Ex-New Mexico Judge Who Allegedly Defended an Illegal Gang Member

In a recent revelation, Attorney General Pam Bondi disclosed disturbing actions by a former New Mexico judge, Joel Cano, who allegedly went to extraordinary lengths to shield a violent member of the Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang.

Bondi shared the details of Cano’s involvement in destroying evidence to protect Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a notorious gang member from Venezuela.

Cano’s criminal actions were made public after his resignation and a lifetime ban from holding any judicial office in New Mexico.

Bondi revealed in a Fox News interview that Cano was charged with obstruction for his role in destroying a cell phone belonging to Ortega-Lopez.

The phone, which contained disturbing images, was hammered to pieces by Cano himself before being discarded in a dumpster to erase evidence.

The case took an even darker turn when it was discovered that Cano’s wife, Nancy Cano, was also charged with destroying evidence.

Ortega-Lopez, who had been living in the Cano family home, reportedly shared disturbing photos of decapitated victims with others, per Trending Politics.

Bondi emphasized that Ortega-Lopez’s phone was a repository for horrific images, including photos of two decapitated individuals, which were being circulated through text messages.

The Cano family’s involvement with Ortega-Lopez raised alarm bells, especially considering the growing influence of the Tren de Aragua gang across the U.S.

Bondi pointed out that Ortega-Lopez was not only a violent criminal but also had access to assault rifles, which he used at a shooting range with other suspected gang members.

These weapons, reportedly owned by the Cano family’s daughter, were found at the residence.

Bondi expressed her outrage, stating that this is exactly the type of individual the U.S. does not want in the country.

She emphasized that no one, especially a judge, should be involved in harboring or assisting such dangerous criminals.

The scandal surrounding Cano’s actions began when Ortega-Lopez was arrested in a Homeland Security raid on Feb. 28.

The raid targeted a property owned by Nancy Cano, which had been used by Ortega-Lopez and other illegal immigrants.

Court documents revealed that Ortega-Lopez had entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023 and had been allowed to live in the “casita” behind the Cano family home after he had done some contract work for the couple.

Federal authorities also seized four firearms from the residence, with evidence showing that Ortega-Lopez had handled and fired weapons that belonged to April Cano, the daughter.

The case raised questions about the extent to which the Cano family had facilitated Ortega-Lopez’s criminal activities.

In light of these revelations, Judge Cano resigned in March, offering a vague farewell to his colleagues.

The New Mexico Supreme Court wasted no time in responding to the scandal, issuing a lifetime ban preventing Cano from ever serving in a judicial role again.

Tren de Aragua, a gang often compared to MS-13 for its brutality, is now a top-tier threat to U.S. national security, according to Homeland Security.

The gang’s operations have spread across the country, including in cities like Los Angeles, Aurora, Colorado, and other areas in the Southeast.

Members have been accused of taking over apartment complexes and stockpiling weapons.

The case also raised concerns over Ortega-Lopez’s initial release from custody by a U.S. magistrate judge, who doubted that Cano would have allowed such a dangerous criminal to live in his home.

However, federal prosecutors have since filed motions to reverse the decision, citing strong evidence of Ortega-Lopez’s criminal activities and the threat he posed to the community.

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