WASHINGTON -- The federal government has spent billions of dollars on border security but has no way of knowing if that money is making the country safer.

That's one conclusion from a new government audit released Thursday.

• Read: GAO Border Security Report.pdf

The 47-page GAO report describes the huge expense and difficulties of protecting our border from drugs, terrorists and illegal immigrants.

People are getting over, under and through it. So far, it's been breached 3,363 times. Each time, it costs $1,300 to repair. Over the next 20 years, that will add up to a $6.5 billion price tag just to maintain the fence, the report said.

The report also said there's no way to know if the fence has helped to control the flow of illegal immigrants.

The new technology placed on the border has also had problems. It's been delayed and some of it still doesn't work, the report said.

As a result, border agents are forced to rely on old equipment that breaks down and doesn't help them stop illegal immigrants and drug smugglers from crossing the border, the report said.

The director of the government's secure border initiative told Congress he understands their frustration.

Be he said he's confident the government and the contractor working on the project will find the right technology to protect the long stretches of border, in places like Arizona.