WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — "The southwest border continues to be vulnerable to cross-border illegal activity, with [Department of Homeland Security] apprehending over 331,000 illegal entrants, and making over 14,000 seizures of drugs in fiscal year 2015," the report, issued on Tuesday, stated.
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security has deployed resources, including agents and technology, along the southwest border.
However, the GAO recommended that CBP develop new border security goals and new ways to assess its own performance.
"CBP should complete these actions in order to fully assess its capabilities and progress to secure the border," the report said.
The Department of Homeland Security has employed a variety of resources to help secure the border, including personnel and technology, such as cameras and sensors, but also tactical infrastructure such as fencing, the GAO noted.
On Tuesday, the US State Department said Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement William Brownfield is visiting Mexico City to discuss security, rule of law, and counter-narcotics issues with Mexican officials.
