WASHINGTON -- A new study from the U.S./Mexico Border Counties Coalition finds that in 2006, El Paso County spent close to $35 million to catch and prosecute illegal immigrants. Dona Ana County spent more than $6 million.

However, the report shows that the federal government only reimbursed the counties less than one-tenth of the actual cost.

The study was commissioned by a nonprofit group of border-county officials who want Congress to reimburse their county jails and prosecutors for legal costs. David Austin from El Paso explained that border counties are generally poor, and without money from the federal government, local residents suffer.

"We are one of the poorest regions in the nation. We're the least able to afford it," Austin said.

According to the report, the budget crunch has forced counties like El Paso and Dona Ana to divert money from programs to improve schools, roads, jails and courtrooms. Dona Ana County Commissioner Kent Evans called the situation "frustrating" and said reimbursement money from Washington is needed to improve roads.

Evans is one of a handful of border-county officials in Washington to ask Congress to own up to its share of the financial burden.

You can see full report by clicking here.