Military officials have confirmed the identities of two Marines from California who tragically lost their lives in a vehicle accident while their convoy was traveling along the U.S.-Mexico border near Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The victims have been identified as Lance Corporal Albert Aguilera, aged 22, hailing from Riverside, and Lance Corporal Marcelino Gamino, aged 28, from Fresno. Both Marines served with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion stationed at Camp Pendleton.
In addition to the fatalities, another Marine from the same battalion remains in critical condition. The accident occurred on Tuesday, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, according to a statement from military officials.
The accident site is located just over the state line and to the west of Fort Bliss, a significant Army base in West Texas. Fort Bliss plays a vital role in facilitating military deportation flights and serves as a strategic point for the deployment of thousands of soldiers and equipment along the border. These deployments are part of the efforts to support President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at strengthening security measures at the U.S.-Mexico border.