Today, the ACLU of New Mexico mourns the passing of a beloved friend, coworker, and social justice activist. Barron Jones passed away in his sleep on Friday night. A former reporter for the Rio Grande Sun, Barron came to the ACLU of New Mexico in 2018 and quickly distinguished himself as a fiery advocate for equity and justice, especially in the criminal legal system. Despite facing unimaginable adversity in his life, Barron maintained an indomitable spirit and sense of humor that lit up any room he entered. He was known by his friends and coworkers as a humble, hard-working person who would do anything for the people he cared about, especially if they had survived the horrors of incarceration or police violence.
We at the ACLU of New Mexico are gutted by this loss but will carry forward Barron’s devotion to making New Mexico a more humane, just, and equitable place. We stand by his family, friends, and partner as they grapple with his sudden passing.