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“HSI initiated an inquiry into Cristhian Ortega-Lopez in January 2025, following an anonymous tip. Ortega-Lopez, an illegal alien from Venezuela suspected of being affiliated with Tren de Aragua, was allegedly residing with other illegal aliens in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and had been in possession of firearms.”
A Criminal Guest in the Judge’s Backyard
It gets worse.
Court records reveal Ortega-Lopez had been living in a “casita” or guesthouse behind Judge Cano’s residence. The illegal alien allegedly met Nancy Cano while doing handyman work and was allowed to stay on the property—a move that would eventually unravel into a federal investigation and national media scrutiny.
More than just a random squatter, Ortega-Lopez seemed to have become part of the Cano household’s inner circle. Prosecutors say the gang-affiliated illegal alien grew close to April Cano, the judge’s stepdaughter, who owned a number of firearms and allegedly gave Ortega-Lopez access to them.
Not only did Ortega-Lopez allegedly fire the weapons, but photos emerged of him posing with guns—images later used by the government to support their case.
“Once in New Mexico, prosecutors allege Ortega-Lopez became acquainted with April Cano, the judge’s stepdaughter, who reportedly owned a cache of firearms and allowed the illegal alien to shoot and pose with the weapons — images that later surfaced on Facebook.”
Smiling With the Enemy?
In one of the most jaw-dropping revelations of the case, Ortega-Lopez was photographed smiling next to Judge Cano himself. That image—now filed in federal court—is being used to support the case that Ortega-Lopez wasn’t just a casual acquaintance, but someone the Cano family welcomed into their circle.
“A review of Ortega-Lopez’s social media reveals video footage that appears to show Judge Cano and Ortega-Lopez socializing casually, including a moment where Ortega-Lopez hands a long rifle to both Judge Cano and his wife, Nancy.”
A Border Crisis With Real Consequences
Ortega-Lopez had entered the United States on December 15, 2023, illegally crossing through Eagle Pass, Texas—one of the most porous sections of the southern border. Despite his illegal status, Ortega-Lopez was released on what’s being called “humanitarian parole” due to overcrowding in detention facilities.
This kind of catch-and-release policy has become all too common under the Biden administration’s open-border chaos—and it’s putting American communities at risk.
“Ortega-Lopez, who had unlawfully entered the United States by scaling a barbed-wire fence in Eagle Pass, Texas, was released on so-called ‘humanitarian parole’ due to overcrowding — a tragic consequence of Biden’s wide-open border disaster.”
Federal agents also recovered four firearms from a nearby property owned by April Cano, where Ortega-Lopez reportedly fired the weapons.
“Agents recovered four firearms from the neighboring property owned by April Cano.”
He now faces charges of being an illegal alien in possession of firearms and ammunition—a federal offense that could carry a sentence of up to 15 years behind bars.
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“Ortega-Lopez is charged by criminal complaint with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm or ammunition.”
Silence From the Judge—But the Damage Is Done
Judge Cano’s resignation was dated March 3, just days after the raid. He has yet to make a public statement about the situation. His silence, however, speaks volumes as the scandal continues to unfold and raises serious questions about who’s really being protected by those entrusted to uphold the law.
The real story here isn’t just about one judge. It’s about what happens when lawlessness at the border collides with complacency—or even complicity—at home.
