Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Two Marines During U.S. Border Mission
A devastating accident has claimed the lives of two Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, while they were on deployment at the southern U.S. border. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, involved a vehicle crash near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, and resulted in the deaths of Lance Cpl. Albert Aguilera, 22, and Lance Cpl. Marcelino Gamino, 28. Both were Marine combat engineers from California.
According to a news release from their unit, a third Marine from the same unit, the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, remains in critical condition. This individual was also involved in the crash, although their identity has not been disclosed. All three Marines were transferred to a hospital in El Paso, Texas, where Aguilera and Gamino were pronounced dead.
The Marines were reportedly on a “convoy movement” near Santa Teresa. However, the specific purpose or destination of the convoy remains unclear. The 1st Marine Division, to which these Marines were assigned, had deployed an initial contingent of 500 Marines to the southern border near San Diego, California, in late January.
“The loss of Lance Cpl. Aguilera and Lance Cpl. Gamino is deeply felt by all of us,” stated Lt. Col. Tyrone Barrion, commanding officer of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion and Task Force Sapper. This unit, composed of around 500 Marines and sailors, is tasked with reinforcing the barrier wall near San Diego. “I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of our fallen brothers,” Barrion continued, emphasizing the support being provided to the affected families and Marines during this challenging time.
A defense official revealed that the Marines were using a civilian rental vehicle at the time of the crash, a common practice for active-duty operations along the border. The Washington Post reported that the crash involved a vehicle rollover, as confirmed by U.S. defense officials.
These Marines were part of a larger deployment of thousands of active-duty troops stationed at the U.S. southern border as part of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed his sorrow on social media, saying, “I am very saddened to learn of the tragic accident yesterday that took the lives of two of our nation’s heroes and seriously injured another. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with them, their families, and the unit.”
While Army units at the border are utilizing tactical vehicles like the Strykers, eight-wheeled armored personnel carriers designed for soldier transport, the Marines involved were in a civilian vehicle.
Lance Cpl. Aguilera had enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 2023 and was promoted to his current rank last spring. Lance Cpl. Gamino, who enlisted in 2022, had previously deployed to Darwin, Australia, with the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin in 2024. The circumstances surrounding the crash are currently under investigation, according to the news release.
