The audit reviewed measures taken since 2003 and found that Customs and Border Protection “has instituted many border security programs and operations that align” with the Sandia report’s recommendations.

“However, our review and analysis of these reports also highlighted some continuing challenges to CBP in its efforts to secure the southwest border,” the inspector general said. “In particular, CBP does not measure the effectiveness of its programs and operations well; therefore, it continues to invest in programs and act without the benefit of the feedback needed to help ensure it uses resources wisely and improves border security.”

“CBP also faces program management challenges in planning, resource allocation, infrastructure and technology acquisition, and overall efficiency,” the inspector general said.

The audit found that the government has “struggled to develop measures of effectiveness” for new border programs and sometimes skews its results.