Washington (CNN) A Texas Republican congressman suggested Monday night that migrant children are able to leave a children's facility in Texas "at any time" but don't because they're well cared for.

"There's not a lock on the door. Any child is free to leave at any time but they don't," Rep. Michael Burgess said in an interview with MSNBC. "And you know why? Because they're well taken care of."

Burgess was referring to the Casa Padre shelter in Brownsville, Texas, that's become one of the largest facilities housing unaccompanied migrant children in the United State. The former Walmart superstore houses migrant boys, ages 10 to 17.

Asked if Burgess had additional comment in regard to his comments on MSNBC, the congressman said in a statement that Democrats' "empty rhetoric has largely contributed to the unprecedented crisis on our southern border that is overwhelming all resources and personnel devoted to caring for migrants."

The shelter became a lightning rod for criticism last year after Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, tried to get inside on an unannounced visit and was turned away.

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