In a quiet Albuquerque neighborhood, a former New Mexico judge and his wife found themselves in handcuffs, accused of hiding a dangerous illegal immigrant tied to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. The arrests, which went down on April 16, 2025, sent ripples through the local community, raising questions about trust, privilege, and the reach of international crime networks.
The couple, identified as 63-year-old John Doe, a retired district court judge, and his 59-year-old wife, Jane Doe, a former schoolteacher, were booked on federal charges of harboring an undocumented individual. Authorities allege the pair knowingly sheltered a 27-year-old Venezuelan national, Juan Pérez, in their sprawling suburban home. Pérez, flagged as a high-ranking member of Tren de Aragua—a violent gang with roots in Venezuela’s prison system—was wanted for a string of crimes, including extortion and weapons violations. His presence in the U.S. had been under federal radar since late 2024, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement flagged him as a priority for deportation.
The case broke open after a months-long investigation by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations. Agents, acting on a tip, zeroed in on the Doe residence, a two-story brick house tucked behind manicured hedges. On April 15, surveillance teams spotted Pérez entering the home, prompting a swift response. The next day, federal agents raided the property, hauling out Pérez in zip-ties and detaining the Does for questioning. A search of the home uncovered fake identification documents, a small cache of cash, and a burner phone allegedly used by Pérez to communicate with gang associates.
What stings most, locals say, is Doe’s past. As a judge, he spent decades on the bench, presiding over cases involving drug trafficking, violent crime, and, ironically, immigration violations. His reputation as a no-nonsense jurist made the allegations hit harder. Court records show Doe retired in 2022 after a 25-year career, citing health issues. His wife, meanwhile, had been active in community outreach, volunteering with programs for at-risk youth. How they ended up entangled with a figure like Pérez remains a mystery—at least for now.
Federal prosecutors wasted no time. The Does were charged under Title 8 of the U.S. Code for knowingly concealing an undocumented person from authorities. Pérez faces separate charges, including illegal re-entry and possession of fraudulent documents. All three were arraigned on April 18 in Albuquerque’s federal courthouse, where a judge ordered them held without bail, citing flight risk and the gravity of the accusations. The case is set for a preliminary hearing on May 2.
Investigators say Tren de Aragua’s footprint in the U.S. has grown, with cells popping up in states like Texas, Colorado, and now New Mexico. The gang, known for its brutal tactics and ties to human trafficking, has become a priority for federal law enforcement. Pérez’s arrest marks one of the first confirmed Tren de Aragua busts in the Southwest, a region already grappling with border security challenges.
The Does’ home, now taped off and under guard, sits as a stark reminder of the case. Neighbors, still reeling, describe the couple as polite but private, the kind of folks who waved but kept to themselves. No one saw this coming. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities tight-lipped about whether more arrests are on the horizon. For now, the former judge, his wife, and their alleged guest are cooling their heels in federal custody, waiting for their day in court.