By — Tara Copp, Associated Press Tara Copp, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/service-members-deployed-to-southern-border-killed-in-vehicle-accident Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Service members deployed to southern border killed in vehicle accident Nation Apr 16, 2025 2:00 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Two service members deployed to the U.S. Southern border were killed and a third is in serious condition after a vehicle accident near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, the military announced late Tuesday. The region where the accident took place is just over the state line and west of Fort Bliss, a major Army installation in West Texas that has played a critical role in dispatching military deportation flights and served as a touchpoint for thousands of soldiers and pieces of equipment now deployed along the border. The troops are deployed there in support of President Donald Trump’s executive order to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. WATCH: Pentagon will send troops to southern border to carry out Trump’s immigration crackdown A defense official speaking on the condition of anonymity to provide additional details not yet made public said the accident occurred in a civilian vehicle, but no civilians were harmed in the incident. The incident did not involve any of the scores of Stryker vehicles the Pentagon has sent down to the border to perform patrols, the official said. The accident occurred around 8:50 a.m. MDT Tuesday; the names of the deceased will not be released until the next of kin are notified. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Tara Copp, Associated Press Tara Copp, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two service members deployed to the U.S. Southern border were killed and a third is in serious condition after a vehicle accident near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, the military announced late Tuesday. The region where the accident took place is just over the state line and west of Fort Bliss, a major Army installation in West Texas that has played a critical role in dispatching military deportation flights and served as a touchpoint for thousands of soldiers and pieces of equipment now deployed along the border. The troops are deployed there in support of President Donald Trump’s executive order to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. WATCH: Pentagon will send troops to southern border to carry out Trump’s immigration crackdown A defense official speaking on the condition of anonymity to provide additional details not yet made public said the accident occurred in a civilian vehicle, but no civilians were harmed in the incident. The incident did not involve any of the scores of Stryker vehicles the Pentagon has sent down to the border to perform patrols, the official said. The accident occurred around 8:50 a.m. MDT Tuesday; the names of the deceased will not be released until the next of kin are notified. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now