Ex-judge, wife in custody after claims of hosting Tren de Aragua member in Las Cruces
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — A former judge and his wife were taken into custody after authorities raided their home in Las Cruces following accusations that they had an alleged Tren de Aragua member living in their home.
KFOX14/CBS4 were on the scene Thursday afternoon when the home of former Dona Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement executed a search warrant and a probable cause arrest warrant, and both were taken into custody.
A spokesperson for ICE confirmed they were both taken into custody as part of an ongoing investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations.
Cano was charged with tampering with evidence, while Nancy was charged with conspiracy to tamper.
The raid comes after Cano had resigned in March following accusations that he and his wife, Nancy, had hosted Cristhian Ortega Lopez, an undocumented migrant from Venezuela, and an alleged TdA member.
Investigators believe Nancy hired Lopez to work on the home and then later offered their place for Lopez to stay.
Documents from the investigation indicate Lopez displayed clear indicators of association with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, including clothing, tattoos, voicemails, and text messages.
KFOX14/CBS4 cameras captured the moment both Cano and his wife, Nancy, were handcuffed during the operation.
This is a developing story; check back for updates.
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On Tuesday, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that Cano may never hold judicial office in the state.
On Wednesday, KFOX14/CBS4 spoke with neighbors of Cano who were shocked by the raid.
Neighbor Noyan Suel expressed concern, saying, "You know if he did know that and invited him in, it’s unfortunate." Suel added, "My understanding is there was access to a lot of weapons. Scary."
RELATED: Homeland Security probes judge's home after gang member found living there with guns
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