A Venezuelan national and suspected member of the notorious Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organization has pleaded guilty to federal charges of illegally possessing firearms and conspiring to destroy evidence, following an investigation led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and federal partners.
The defendant, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, 23, was arrested after an anonymous tip led authorities to social media posts showing him handling and shooting various weapons. The case also raised concerns after it was revealed Ortega-Lopez had been residing at the home of a prominent Albuquerque-area family.
The Investigation and Charges
According to court documents, Ortega-Lopez illegally entered the United States near Eagle Pass, Texas, on December 15, 2023, where he was briefly detained by U.S. Border Patrol before being released on his own recognizance two days later, pending the outcome of his immigration case.
READ: ICE Rescues Alabama Toddler In Mexico, Kidnapper Tied To Dangerous Sex Offender
In January 2025, HSI received a tip that Ortega-Lopez, who was living in Las Cruces at the time, was in possession of firearms. Investigators discovered numerous photos and videos on his Facebook and TikTok accounts.
These posts depicted him displaying, handling, and shooting various firearms at a local shooting range and other locations, a violation of federal law for an illegal immigrant.
The multi-agency investigation involved assistance from the FBI, the ATF, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Affiliation and Community Safety Concern
Ortega-Lopez is suspected of being affiliated with the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan-based criminal organization known for a wide range of illicit activities.
“The illegal possession of firearms by individuals who are not only in the country illegally but also affiliated with violent criminal organizations poses a significant danger to our communities,” said HSI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens. “As this case demonstrates, HSI is committed to identifying and dismantling threats posed by transnational criminal organizations and foreign terrorist organizations and their members.”
Ties to Prominent Family
The investigation also revealed that Ortega-Lopez had been living at the residence of the family of social media influencer April Cano. He had been working for her parents, Jose and Nancy Cano, in exchange for housing. In social media videos, Ortega-Lopez referred to Mr. and Mrs. Cano as “Patron” and “Patrona.”
READ: VP Vance Edges California Gov. Newsom By One Point In New 2028 Presidential Race Poll
Ortega-Lopez now faces a substantial prison sentence for his crimes. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms and conspiring to destroy evidence.
The sentencing date has not yet been set. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by federal agencies to combat the growing threat posed by transnational criminal organizations operating within the United States.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
