'Worst I've ever seen', claims Texas Republican congressman about conditions for detained migrants

During a Sunday appearance on the CBS show "Face the Nation," Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said that conditions in migrant detention facilities in Texas were the “worst” he’s ever seen.

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) less During a Sunday appearance on the CBS show "Face the Nation," Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said that conditions in migrant detention facilities in Texas were the “worst” he’s ever seen.

(AP Photo/Evan (AP Photo/Evan ... more Photo: Evan Vucci, STF Photo: Evan Vucci, STF Image 1 of / 116 Caption Close 'Worst I've ever seen', claims Texas Republican congressman about conditions for detained migrants 1 / 116 Back to Gallery

In recent days, there has been increased attention to the living, health and safety conditions at migrant detention facilities located near the U.S.-Mexico border.

On Sunday, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) stated that the conditions were the worst he's ever seen.

"I've been down there throughout my 15 years in Congress and before that, as a federal prosecutor. This is the worst I've ever seen it, and it has to be taken care of," McCaul said on CBS's "Face the Nation."

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Earlier during that CBS program, Vice President Mike Pence said that the unsanitary conditions in the detention facilities exist because Congress has failed to act.

McCaul agreed with the Vice President's comments during his appearance.

"I think at a minimum ... we have to pass humanitarian aid to take care of these children," McCaul told CBS's Margaret Brennan.

During a different CBS program earlier that Sunday, House Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.), said finding a solution to immigration issues would need a "humane" plan that Democrats don't believe President Trump can carry out.

Last week, lawyers who visited the detention facilities told Huffpost.com that they had to urge certain facility officials to hospitalize four toddlers ( all under 3 years old) due to poor living conditions.

Peter Dawson is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | Peter.Dawson@chron.com | NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.