Former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Jose Luis Cano and his wife Nancy Cano were arrested for tampering with evidence related to an undocumented migrant, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, who is suspected of being linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Cano, who had resigned in March, allegedly destroyed Ortega-Lopez's phone to hide evidence of his connection to firearms, while Nancy Cano was found to have communicated with Ortega-Lopez about deleting his Facebook accounts. Investigations began following an anonymous tip that Ortega-Lopez, who was charged with unlawful possession of firearms, was residing with the Canos. The gang Tren de Aragua, originating from Venezuela, is known for its involvement in crimes like human trafficking and drug smuggling. Following his arrest, the New Mexico Supreme Court barred Jose Luis Cano from holding or running for judicial office in the state again.

Former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Jose Luis Cano and his wife Nancy were implicated in tampering with evidence concerning Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

Cano allegedly destroyed a phone belonging to Ortega-Lopez, believing it contained incriminating photos, while Nancy Cano was found to have communications discussing the deletion of Ortega-Lopez's Facebook accounts.

An investigation into Ortega-Lopez began with an anonymous tip regarding his unlawful possession of firearms and residence with the Canos, leading to charges against him earlier in the year.

The gang Tren de Aragua is notorious for its criminal activities, including human trafficking and drug smuggling, and has expanded its operations from Venezuela to the United States.

Despite denying knowledge of Ortega-Lopez's gang ties, Cano's actions led to his arrest and subsequent prohibition from holding judicial office by the New Mexico Supreme Court.

Search warrants executed on the Canos' properties revealed multiple phones and firearms, corroborating suspicions of Ortega-Lopez's illicit activities.

Ortega-Lopez's social media activity, featuring firearms and gang-affiliated symbols, provided strong evidence of his ties to Tren de Aragua, further complicating the situation for the Canos.