by ABC-7 Reporter/Anchor Ken Molestina

EL PASO, Texas -- Texas Governor Rick Perry was in El Paso Tuesday with some stern words about the Mexican violence on our doorstep.

For many people, the governor's words served as a reason to stay motivated in keeping the violence out of the United States.

Perry said he is pushing for millions to further fund border protection efforts. "I called on the legislature to dedicate $135 million to our ongoing border security efforts."

Perry said the money will primarily go toward "putting more boots on the ground," meaning getting more people on the border to keep the threat out.

However, recently, proof has surfaced that those involved in the violence may already be here.

Former drug czar General Barry McCaffrey, who was in El Paso meeting with Perry, agrees that the threat is serious on this side of the border.

"Mexican criminal organizations are living and working within the U.S. We have an obligation to protect the Mexican people and rooting the Mexican criminals from U.S. cities," he said.

Perry had some criticism for the federal government and, in his words, their lack of ability to help in the fight. He hopes Tuesday's message will get their attention.

Written for KVIA.com by web producer Annette Arrigucci