The illegal flow of aliens into the country continues to be a substantial problem and suggests that the ability of the Border Patrol to conduct its enforcement mission has been affected negatively by the decrease in the proportion of agent time devoted to border control activities and the poor condition of its equipment. Border Control funding increased $135 million from $164 million in fiscal year 1986 to $299 million in fiscal year 1991. Time spent by Border Control agents on activities along the southwest border declined from 71 percent of total hours in fiscal year 1985 to 60 percent in fiscal year 1991. The apprehension rate has decreased since 1986. Southwest border sectors made 4 apprehensions per 10 hours in fiscal year 1986 compared to 1.7 apprehensions per 10 hours in 1991. Additional electronic equipment used to detect aliens is needed to enhance mission effectiveness. 5 footnotes and 3 figures