Marine from Riverside identified as one of two killed in vehicle rollover during deployment to border

A 22-year-old from Riverside and a 28-year-old from Fresno were identified Thursday, April 17, as the two Marines killed earlier this week when their vehicle rolled over on a road in New Mexico during a convoy movement to El Paso, Texas.

Lance Cpl. Albert A. Aguilera, of Riverside, and Lance Cpl. Marcelino M. Gamino of Fresno, both combat engineers, died in the morning crash on Tuesday, April 15. They were among Camp Pendleton Marines deployed as part of the Joint Task Force-Southern Border, the command overseeing the troop deployment at the U.S. border with Mexico following an order by President Donald Trump in January.

Their loss “is deeply felt by all of us,” U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Tyrone Barrion, commanding officer for 1st Combat Engineer Battalion and Task Force Sapper, said in a statement.  “I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of our fallen brothers. Our top priority right now is to ensure that their families, and the Marines affected by their passing, are fully supported during this difficult time.”

Aguilera enlisted in March 2023 and was promoted to lance corporal in May 2024, Marine officials said Thursday.

Gamino enlisted in May 2022 and was also promoted to lance corporal in August 2024. Both served with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

Gamino’s decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He also deployed in 2024 to Darwin, Australia, with a Marine Rotational Force.

Another Marine with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion remains in critical condition and is being treated for their injuries, Marine officials said.

The three Marines were transported to University Medical Hospital in El Paso, where Aguilar and Gamino were pronounced dead, Marines said.

The Marines were part of Task Force Sapper, which is a military unit supporting the southern border mission, a Marine spokesman said earlier this week. The unit is responsible for reinforcing existing border barriers and fortifications, such as concertina wire and other physical barriers, to deter illegal crossings and enhance security.