Southern New Mexico Judge Joel Cano Arrested for Harboring Illegal Alien with Alleged Gang Association
For too long, New Mexicans have been hurt by rising crime. Policies like “catch and release” create an apparent lack of accountability for criminals. These policies offer no relief for law-abiding New Mexicans.
While some of the blame lies with legislators who have repeatedly blocked bail reform, judges have joined criminals in wreaking havoc across the New Mexican justice system. A case profiled in national and local news reveals that a New Mexico judge was involved in furthering, not stopping, criminal activity.
On April 24, 2025 – Judge Joel Cano was arrested for harboring an illegal alien in his home. He even admitted to tampering with evidence. One significant example: destroying the gang member’s cellphone, it begs to wonder what was being hidden.
How can New Mexico expect relief from crime when our own legal system participates in criminal activity? The people of New Mexico deserve better from their elected officials. State Representative Alan Martinez did not hold back on this implication. He wrote an op-ed on the New Mexico Sun and said, “this isn’t just about bad judgment. It’s about corruption. When those charged with enforcing the law start picking and choosing which criminals to shield, it’s no longer a justice system — it’s a rigged system.” To learn more about Representative Martinez’s take on this matter from the New Mexico Sun, click HERE.