ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Judges and staff of the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico mourn the loss of Part-Time United States Magistrate Judge B. Paul Briones, who passed away on March 26, 2025, at the age of 60. We were privileged to work with and know this exemplary man and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.

Judge Briones was selected in 2014 to serve as a Part-Time United States Magistrate Judge for the District of New Mexico and managed a substantial caseload for matters stemming out of northwestern New Mexico. He provided much-needed support to the district for the last ten years, handling a variety of preliminary felony matters.

Judge Briones was born and raised in Farmington, New Mexico. He attended Eastern New Mexico University before transferring to the University of New Mexico where he graduated with a degree in Economics. He was subsequently accepted to the University of New Mexico School of Law, from which he graduated in 1995. He began practicing law back in his hometown of Farmington, and he worked alongside his father for twenty-eight years before his appointment to the United States District Court.

Throughout his career, Judge Briones served on or chaired several boards and committees, including the New Mexico Bar Association, the UNM Law School Alumni Association, the Citizen Police Advisory Committee, the Four Corners Foundation, and the Farmington Boys and
Girls Club.

Judge Briones had many passions in life, but none so important to him as his family. He was known for his kindness and patience and was well respected throughout the court family.