McALLEN (March 12, 2010)--Gov. Rick Perry said Friday state and federal authorities are trying to get answers about the Mexican military helicopter that crossed the Texas-Mexico border late Wednesday afternoon.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that a Mexican military helicopter crossed the border near Falcon Dam in Zapata County before returning to Mexico without landing.

Calls for comment to the Mexican Navy were not returned.

The Mexican army and navy are both involved in anti-drug trafficking operations in Mexican border cities.

In a prepared statement Friday, Perry called for better communication between U.S. and Mexican authorities along the border.

“As violence escalates in Mexican border cities, it’s critically important for Texas, U.S. and Mexican law enforcement to communicate and appropriately coordinate our efforts to combat border crime and protect legitimate cross-border trade and travel,” Perry said.

“The helicopter incursion and uptick in violence in Mexican border communities underscore the urgent need for more U.S. law enforcement and surveillance along the Texas-Mexico border,” Perry said.

“I once again urge our federal government to add personnel and technology along the Texas-Mexico border to prevent spillover violence here and to combat drug cartels operating in the border region,” he said.