Hobbs Family Finds Baby in Safe Haven Baby Box, Adopts Him

Rubi and Melody Borjas have spent the past several years opening their hearts and home to foster children in Hobbs, New Mexico. For the past three years, they have fostered 12 children, providing love and stability to children in need of care. The couple’s journey took a remarkable turn when they found a baby in a box at a local fire station, safely surrendered in September 2023.

Baby Jonah, known at the time as “Baby John Doe,” arrived in the Hobbs Fire Station’s Safe Haven Baby Box—a secure, climate-controlled way for parents to leave infants anonymously and safely. “They didn’t give any details, just that the baby box had been used,” Rubi said. “It was life-changing meeting him,” Melody added. Almost immediately, the Borjas family reached out to their CYFD placement worker, saying they wanted to care for him. “I don’t think anyone knew what the next step would be,” Melody said. “We just prayed about it and knew we wanted him to be ours.” They then made the decision to adopt Jonah.

Adopting Jonah was a first in New Mexico, as no baby from a Safe Haven Baby Box had been adopted in the state. Although questions about parental rights and legal procedures created uncertainty, the Borjas family stayed hopeful. After 777 days in foster care with the Borjas family, they officially became a family of three on November 7, 2025.

“He’s been our son since day one, and we’re proud of him,” Melody said

Senator David Gallegos, who helped bring the Safe Haven Baby Box to Hobbs, said the most rewarding part of the process was seeing Jonah go from the box to a loving family. “You can understand the value of what we do here in the state, just to know we’ve done something to provide an option that gives this child a chance at a successful life,” he said.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes and the New Mexico Safe Haven Act

New Mexico’s Safe Haven for Infants Act  allows parents to safely surrender babies 90 days or younger at hospitals, fire stations, law enforcement offices, or Safe Haven Baby Boxes without fear of criminal charges. Staff may ask for medical or identifying information, but parents do not have to provide it. The law ensures the baby receives care, and parents still have rights if circumstances change. State leaders are allocating funds to install safe haven baby boxes in every county across New Mexico. 

Thanks to the law and the safe box, Jonah had a safe start and quickly became part of a loving home. Rubi and Melody are thankful for the little boy who has brought so much joy into their lives. “The biggest thing I’m thankful for is actually a person now,” Rubi said. “He’s not just Baby John Doe.” Melody added, “We’re going to tell him the truth. That’s his story.”