When a sitting New Mexico judge is arrested for harboring a violent gang member, it’s not just a scandal — it’s a symptom of a much deeper problem: the corruption, lawlessness, and misplaced priorities rotting our institutions from the inside out.
Earlier this month, Former-Magistrate Judge Joel Cano was arrested for allegedly sheltering a known gang member who crossed the border illegally. A judge — someone sworn to uphold the law — instead chose to protect a dangerous criminal. In any healthy system, this would be shocking. In New Mexico, under years of Democrat leadership, it feels disturbingly routine.
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. One where loyalty to political allies, ideological causes, or even criminal organizations is valued more than protecting the public. And under one-party rule in Santa Fe, corruption festers with little fear of accountability.
The Democratic Party’s soft-on-crime policies have created an environment where criminals are emboldened, and public servants who betray their oath believe they can act with impunity. It’s no coincidence that the same leaders who block tough-on-crime reforms are also the ones who have let our border become a sieve — allowing drugs, gangs, and human traffickers to pour into our communities unchecked.
When leadership signals that lawbreaking is tolerated, or worse, protected, we get exactly what we’re seeing today: a justice system that serves insiders, not citizens. Judges harboring gang members. Politicians refusing to secure our communities. And everyday New Mexicans pay the price with rising crime, rampant drug trafficking, and collapsing public trust.
New Mexico deserves better. We deserve a justice system that works for the people, not for criminals. We deserve leaders who will root out corruption — not enable it. And we deserve safe streets, secure borders, and a government that values law and order over political gamesmanship.
Until there is a serious change in priorities — starting with throwing out corrupt officials and demanding real accountability — the scandals will keep coming. And so will the danger.
Representative Alan Martinez serves District 23 in the New Mexico Legislature, where he champions public safety, family values, and accountable government.
