Border Patrol

Southwest Border Enforcement Affected by Mission Expansion and Budget Gao ID: T-GGD-92-66 August 5, 1992

Although the Border Patrol's budget has increased 82 percent since fiscal year 1986, staff along the southwest border declined by nine percent between 1988 and 1990. Further, the proportion of agent time devoted to border patrol activities fell from 71 percent to 60 percent from 1986 to 1991. The apprehension rate overall has decreased since 1986, and there has been an upswing in assaults against Border Patrol agents along the southwest border. Finally, some of the Border Patrol equipment needs replacement, including half of its vehicles that have excessive mileage. With illegal aliens continuing to flow into the United States at a heavy rate, it is fair to assume that the Border Patrol's abilities have been harmed by the decrease in the proportion of agent time devoted to border control activities and the poor condition of its equipment.



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