SANTA TERESA, N.M. — Officials have released the identities of two U.S. Marines from California who tragically lost their lives when their vehicle was involved in an accident as part of a convoy traveling along the U.S.-Mexico border near Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
Both individuals were part of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion located at Camp Pendleton.
The deceased have been named as Lance Cpl. Albert Aguilera, 22, of Riverside, and Lance Cpl. Marcelino Gamino, 28, of Fresno.
There is another Marine associated with the battalion who is currently in critical condition following the crash.
The incident is still under investigation, and military officials have released a statement confirming that efforts to gather more information are ongoing.
The accident occurred in a strategic area located just past the New Mexico state line and to the west of Fort Bliss.
Fort Bliss is a significant Army base in West Texas, known for its crucial role in coordinating military deportation flights and serving as a hub for thousands of soldiers and equipment deployed along the border.
These military troops are stationed at the border in response to an executive order put forth by President Donald Trump, with the objective of strengthening security measures along the U.S.-Mexico frontier.