Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | https://www.dhs.gov/
Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, identified by authorities as a criminal illegal alien and suspected member of the Tren de Aragua gang, has pleaded guilty to charges of illegally possessing firearms and conspiracy to destroy evidence. Ortega-Lopez was living in New Mexico with Magistrate Judge Jose “Joel” Cano at the time of his arrest on February 28, 2025.
According to federal officials, Judge Cano and his wife initially hired Ortega-Lopez for home repairs before allowing him to stay in their guesthouse. Authorities allege that after Ortega-Lopez’s arrest, Judge Cano destroyed a cellphone belonging to Ortega-Lopez by smashing it with a hammer and discarding the remains, believing it contained incriminating evidence. Nancy Cano, the judge's wife, is accused of conspiring to delete Ortega-Lopez’s Facebook account to eliminate evidence.
Ortega-Lopez reportedly posted photos and videos on social media displaying weapons, including an AR-15 style rifle, a semi-automatic handgun, and ammunition.
“Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member who pled guilty to illegally possessing firearms and conspiracy to destroy evidence, should never have been released into the country by the Biden Administration,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Judge Cano, a magistrate judge, takes activist judges to a whole new level—having this criminal illegal alien live in his home with him. Time and time again, we see sanctuary politicians and activist judges, like Jose Cano, shield criminal illegal aliens – in this case, a suspected GANG MEMBER, from arrest and removal from the country. This disgusting behavior is wildly unacceptable and is no longer tolerated under the Trump Administration. We are putting the safety of the American people first.”
Authorities state that Ortega-Lopez entered the United States illegally in 2023 during the Biden Administration and was subsequently released into the country. In January 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) received an anonymous tip indicating that Ortega-Lopez was residing in New Mexico and possessed firearms.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security emphasized its ongoing commitment to law enforcement operations regardless of political circumstances or potential government shutdowns.
