San Diego, California – Two U.S. Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County lost their lives while on a border security mission in New Mexico last week. The Marines were identified as Lance Cpl. Albert A. Aguilera, 22, from Riverside, California, and Lance Cpl. Marcelino M. Gamino, 28, from Fresno, California. Tragically, they were pronounced dead at University Medical Center of El Paso, Texas, with a third Marine who was also injured being in critical condition at the medical center.
The incident occurred when the three Marines, all combat engineers with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, were involved in a crash while traveling in a vehicle as part of a caravan near the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station in New Mexico. The location of the crash was just north of El Paso and was reported early Tuesday morning.
The Marines were part of the military’s Joint Task Force Southern Border, which aims to enhance security along the U.S.-Mexico border. This year, the initiative was placed under centralized military command after President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency and allocated funds from the defense budget for the mission.
In response to the tragic accident, Marine Lt. Col. Tyrone A. Barrion, commander of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen Marines and those affected by their passing. He emphasized that supporting the families and the Marines impacted by the loss is a top priority during this difficult time.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, according to the 1st Marine Division. This incident comes amidst heightened military presence at the U.S.-Mexico border, with nearly 3,000 active-duty troops being deployed last month as part of efforts to curb migrant and drug trafficking activities. Despite the silence from President Trump on the Marines’ deaths, Rep. Veronica Escobar of Texas shared her condolences and expressed hope for the recovery of the third service member who sustained serious injuries.