A defense official speaking on condition of anonymity has confirmed to the Associated Press that the two Marines killed Tuesday near the U.S.-Mexico border were riding in a civilian vehicle—not a military one—when it rolled over, fatally injuring them and critically wounding a third.
This detail, not initially disclosed in the Pentagon’s official statements, sheds light on the deadly accident that occurred around 8:50 a.m. near Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The Marines, all assigned to Camp Pendleton’s 1st Marine Division and deployed under Joint Task Force – Southern Border, were reportedly traveling to El Paso, Texas, at the time of the crash.
No civilians were injured, and the incident did not involve any of the Stryker vehicles or other tactical assets deployed to the region, the official clarified.
The Marines were part of a broader mission launched under President Trump’s latest executive order to secure the southern border. Since January, Marines from I MEF have been stationed across several states, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, performing support roles like reinforcing barriers with concertina wire and assisting Border Patrol with non-combat tasks.
Putting in work. #Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, deploy concertina wire along the southern border wall, adding additional security that will curtail illegal border crossings. pic.twitter.com/O3uyxq7jFT
— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) February 12, 2025
Military authorities have not yet released the names of the fallen service members pending next-of-kin notification. The surviving Marine remains hospitalized in critical condition.
According to statements from the task force and the Marine Corps, this is the first fatal incident associated with the current border deployment. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Support for the Marines’ families is already mobilizing. The Gary Sinise Foundation told FOX 5/KUSI it plans to reach out to the Marines’ unit to provide grief support, survivor outreach, and long-term resources. “The main thing is that they know they are not forgotten—that they are appreciated and that this nation is grateful for their service,” said James Ravella, a representative of the foundation.
Ravella, who has personally walked through loss and now supports Gold Star families, emphasized the emotional toll on the fallen Marines’ loved ones. “This is a hard day. It’s hard to comprehend for them—it’s just literally such a shock.”
While the public eye has largely focused on border policy and politics, these Marines were boots on the ground, quietly doing the job asked of them. Their loss underscores the risks service members face—even far from a combat zone.
The Salty Soldier will continue to track developments as more details emerge about the investigation and the condition of the surviving Marine.
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