Tragic Loss at the Border: Honoring the Sacrifice of Two California Marines

On April 15, 2025, a devastating vehicle accident near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, claimed the lives of two U.S. Marines and left a third in critical condition. Among the fallen was Lance Cpl. Marcelino M. Gamino, a 28-year-old combat engineer from Fresno, California, whose dedication to service and country left an indelible mark on his community. Alongside him was Lance Cpl. Albert A. Aguilera, 22, from Riverside, California. Both Marines, part of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division based at Camp Pendleton, were deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border as part of President Donald Trump’s Joint Task Force-Southern Border operation. This blog delves into the details of the incident, the lives of these brave Marines, and the broader context of their mission, while honoring their sacrifice.

The Incident: A Tragic Crash Near the Border

The accident occurred at approximately 8:50 a.m. Mountain Time on a stretch of New Mexico’s Highway 9, near mile marker 115, close to the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station. The Marines were traveling in a civilian rental vehicle—a common mode of transport for active-duty operations at the border—during a convoy movement. According to reports, the vehicle rolled over on an isolated road, resulting in catastrophic consequences. Emergency responders airlifted the three Marines to University Medical Hospital in El Paso, Texas, just miles from the crash site. Tragically, Lance Cpl. Gamino and Lance Cpl. Aguilera were pronounced dead at the hospital, while the third Marine remains in critical condition.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with military officials withholding further details pending a thorough review. Notably, the incident did not involve the Stryker vehicles deployed for border patrols, emphasizing that the Marines were likely engaged in a logistical or support movement at the time. The region, just west of Fort Bliss, is a hub for military operations supporting the border mission, which has seen an influx of troops and equipment in recent months.

Who Were Lance Cpl. Marcelino M. Gamino and Lance Cpl. Albert A. Aguilera?

Lance Cpl. Marcelino M. Gamino was a proud Fresno native who enlisted in the Marine Corps in May 2022. At 28, he had already demonstrated a commitment to service, earning the rank of lance corporal in August 2024. A combat engineer with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, Gamino was no stranger to challenging assignments. In 2024, he deployed to Darwin, Australia, as part of the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, showcasing his versatility and dedication. His decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, reflect a career marked by honor and sacrifice.

In Fresno, Gamino was remembered as a hometown hero. Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer expressed the city’s grief in a heartfelt statement: “I was heartbroken to learn of the passing of Lance Corporal Marcelino Gamino—a hometown hero who proudly wore the uniform of the United States Marine Corps. He stepped up to serve his country with heart, bravery, and an unwavering sense of duty.” The mayor’s words echo the sentiments of a community mourning a young man who embodied courage and service.

Lance Cpl. Albert A. Aguilera, 22, from Riverside, California, was equally dedicated. Enlisting in March 2023, he was promoted to lance corporal in the spring of 2024. As a combat engineer, Aguilera contributed to the critical infrastructure and security tasks assigned to his unit. His loss was deeply felt by his peers and community, with U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar of El Paso noting, “I’m praying that the third service member who remains in serious condition recovers, and I’m thinking of the families of all involved.”

Both Marines were part of Task Force Sapper, a unit supporting the southern border mission under the Joint Task Force-Southern Border. Their roles as combat engineers likely involved tasks such as constructing barriers, maintaining infrastructure, or supporting logistical operations—work that, while often behind the scenes, is vital to the mission’s success.

The Mission: Context of the Border Deployment

The Marines’ deployment was part of a broader military operation initiated by President Donald Trump following his declaration of a national emergency at the southern border in mid-January 2025. Citing what he described as “an invasion” of cartels and immigrants, Trump authorized the deployment of approximately 10,000 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, with around 6,600 currently stationed along the southwest border. The Joint Task Force-Southern Border, which assumed control of the mission on March 14, 2025, coordinates these efforts, focusing on logistical support, surveillance, and infrastructure development to assist Customs and Border Protection.

The mission has been controversial, with critics arguing that the deployment militarizes the border at a time when migrant crossings are at their lowest levels in decades. Supporters, however, view it as a necessary measure to enhance border security. The Marines’ tasks, such as affixing concertina wire to barriers (as seen in operations near San Ysidro, California, in March 2025), reflect the hands-on role of combat engineers in this operation. Yet, the tragic crash underscores the risks service members face, even in non-combat roles.

A Community in Mourning

The loss of Gamino and Aguilera has reverberated across California and beyond. In Fresno, Mayor Dyer emphasized the city’s commitment to supporting Gamino’s family, stating, “As a city, we mourn alongside his family and friends, and we will never forget the sacrifice Lance Corporal Gamino made in service to us all.” Similarly, Riverside’s community grieves for Aguilera, a young Marine whose life was cut short in service to his country.

Nationally, the incident has prompted condolences and calls for reflection. New Mexico’s U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez expressed sorrow and urged a review of the circumstances surrounding the crash, stating, “With the recent deployments to and the new mission at the Southern border, we must fully review the circumstances surrounding this incident.” The Gary Sinise Foundation, which supports service members and veterans, also honored the Marines, with James Ravella noting, “The main thing is that they know they are not forgotten. That they are appreciated and that this nation is grateful for their service.”

Honoring Their Legacy

The deaths of Lance Cpl. Marcelino M. Gamino and Lance Cpl. Albert A. Aguilera mark a somber moment in the ongoing border mission. As combat engineers, they played a critical role in supporting their unit’s objectives, often under challenging conditions. Their sacrifice reminds us of the risks inherent in military service, whether in combat zones or on domestic deployments.

As the investigation into the crash continues, the Marine Corps has pledged to support the families of the fallen and the recovery of the injured Marine. For now, the focus remains on honoring the memory of two young men who answered the call to serve. Their legacy lives on in the communities they touched, the comrades they inspired, and the nation they served.

To the families of Lance Cpl. Gamino and Lance Cpl. Aguilera, we extend our deepest condolences. Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

This blog is dedicated to the memory of Lance Cpl. Marcelino M. Gamino and Lance Cpl. Albert A. Aguilera. May their service and sacrifice inspire us all.