Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller compares snakes to refugees, likes 'dead ones won't bite' comment

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller compared Syrian refugees to rattlesnakes in this Facebook post on Nov. 19, 2015. The caption reads: "Can you tell me which of these rattlers won't bite you? Sure some of them won't, but tell me which ones so we can bring them into the house." less Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller compared Syrian refugees to rattlesnakes in this Facebook post on Nov. 19, 2015. The caption reads: "Can you tell me which of these rattlers won't bite you? Sure some ... more Photo: Facebook Photo: Facebook Image 1 of / 60 Caption Close Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller compares snakes to refugees, likes 'dead ones won't bite' comment 1 / 60 Back to Gallery

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller compared Syrian refugees to rattlesnakes in a Facebook post Wednesday.

"Can you tell me which of these rattlers won't bite you? Sure some of them won't, but tell me which ones so we can bring them into the house," the Republican posted to his campaign's page along with photos of a rattlesnake pit and hundreds of refugees.

Miller "liked" the top rated comment on the thread, which garnered more than 150 other "likes" and reads: "The dead ones won't bite, Sid! That was an easy one!"

A call placed to Miller's cell phone was immediately returned.

RELATED: Here's how many Syrian refugees are in each state and each state's stance in letting new ones in

A representative from the Agriculture Department told the Texas Tribune, who first reported the on the post, that state officials do not "monitor or maintain this page," and directed questions to the campaign's staff, who did not return the outlet's request.

The post garnered nearly 4,000 likes and 5,700 shares as of Thursday morning.

Texas Democrats jumped on Miller's post Thursday, saying "Miller should know better then to fan the flames of fear and xenophobia" as a statewide elected official.

“Our fundamental American values and principles must guide the way. We cannot give into fear. We cannot let terrorists change who we are,” said the party's deputy executive director Manny Garcia in a statement.

RELATED: Ag Commissioner Sid Miller removes Facebook post suggesting bombing "Muslim world"

On Thursday, Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson made comments comparing refugees to a "rabid dog."

“For instance, you know, if there is a rabid dog running around your neighborhood, you’re probably not going to assume something good about that dog, and you’re probably gonna put your children out of the way,” Carson said, according to Politico. “Doesn’t mean that you hate all dogs by any stretch of the imagination.”

A national debate about whether the United States should accept 10,000 of the more than 4 million Syrian refugees has divided state and federal leaders.

Governors from more than 20 states, including Texas, have opposed President Barack Obama, saying they do not want Syrian refugees because they worry the vetting process is not thorough enough and could allow some terrorists into the country.

RELATED: Two Syrian families taken into custody at Texas border after seeking entry

"Apparently they're scared of widows and orphans coming into the United States of America," Obama said, adding that the vetting process is capable of weeding out terrorists.

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Twitter: @KoltenParker