Two Marifornia Marines, including one from southern California, who died after an accident in New Mexico on Tuesday, while his division identified border patrol units on Thursday.
The Marines' First Marine Division based in Camp Pendleton identified the two deceased military as Riverside Native Lance CPL. Albert A. Aguilera and Lance CPL. Marcelino M. Fresno Gamino.
A third Marine was injured but survived the accident.
The three Marines were involved in an accident during a convoy movement near Santa Teresa, NM, on Tuesday, although their exact activities, the reach of injuries to the third Marine, the causes of death and a schedule of events were not revealed by the military. According to reports, the deaths were the first since thousands of more active troops were sent to the border between the United States and Mexico as part of President Trump's effort to repress illegal immigration.
Washington Post reported that the deaths were the result of a vehicle reinvestment.
“The loss of Lance CPL. Aguilera and Lance Cpl. Gamino is deeply feeling for all of us,” said Lieutenant Colonel Tyrone A. Barrion in a statement. “I extend my most sincere condolences and prayers to the families of our fallen brothers.”
After the accident, the Marines were transported to the University Medical Hospital in El Paso, where the two Californians were declared dead.
The third sailor remains in a critical condition
The accident is under investigation.
“Our highest priority at this time is to ensure that their families and the marines affected by their death are fully supported during this difficult time,” Barrion said.
Aguilera, 22, was enlisted in March 2023 and was promoted to bodily set in May 2024, according to the 1st Marine Division.
Gamino, 28, was a marine combat engineer decorated with the 1st Battalion of Combat Engineers, First Marine Division. He enlisted in May 2022 and was promoted to bodily set in August 2024. He won the National Defense Service Medal and the Deployment Tape of the Sea Service, according to the 1st Marine Division.
The Marines were in New Mexico supporting the operations of the Joint-South Task Force. The declared objective of Work force, Created in March, it is to help customs and border protection of the United States in border monitoring between the United States and Mexico.
The central mission of the working group, as described by the North Command of the United States, is to detect and monitor the threats of transnational criminal organizations for the nation.
The working group was created shortly after Trump issued An executive order on January 20 asking for an offensive in illegal entries through the border.
