A Democrat judge in New Mexico has resigned from his bench after immigration agents arrested an alleged Tren de Aragua gang member who was living in his home. The incident has sparked controversy and raised questions about the judge’s knowledge of the migrant’s presence.

According to reports, the alleged gang member, identified as Ortega-Lopez, entered the US illegally in Eagle Pass, Texas, in December 2023. Due to overcrowding in the detention facility, he was released three days later and eventually made his way to New Mexico.

Ortega-Lopez was arrested on February 28 at the home of Dona Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy. Prosecutors claim that Ortega-Lopez is a flight risk and an alleged member of the Tren de Aragua gang, a violent organization that has been designated as a Transnational Criminal Organization by the US government.

Court records reveal that Ortega-Lopez had been living in the judge’s home and had been allowed to file a request for immigration relief using the judge’s residential address. Social media posts obtained by the US Attorney’s Office showed Ortega-Lopez posing with firearms and displaying gang tattoos.

The incident has raised concerns about the judge’s involvement with Ortega-Lopez and whether he or his wife will face charges for harboring an illegal alien or providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Cano, a former police officer, has resigned from his position, but the full extent of his knowledge and involvement remains unclear.

The case highlights the complexities and challenges of immigration enforcement, particularly in cases where individuals with alleged gang affiliations are released into the country due to overcrowding or other factors. The incident is likely to spark further debate about border security and the need for effective measures to prevent individuals with questionable backgrounds from entering and remaining in the US.