Two Marines from Camp Pendleton died in a vehicle rollover near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, on Tuesday, while a third Marine remains in serious condition. The Marines were part of the Joint Task Force Southern Border, a mission aimed at enhancing security along the U.S.-Mexico border. The accident occurred around 8:50 a.m. as the Marines were traveling in a civilian vehicle to El Paso, Texas, according to a spokesperson from the 1st Marine Division.
The Marines were deployed to the border as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to increase military presence in the region. The task force, which assumed control of the mission in March, involves approximately 6,600 active-duty service members. The Marines were on duty at the time of the accident, which is under investigation to determine its cause.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed his condolences on social media, stating he was “saddened to learn of the tragic accident.” The names of the deceased Marines will be released after their families have been notified. The Marines were part of Task Force Sapper, which focuses on reinforcing border barriers to prevent illegal crossings.
The accident marks the first military fatalities associated with the expanded border mission under President Trump. The mission has seen thousands of troops deployed to the border, with the goal of achieving operational control and deterring illegal activities.
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