Democratic debate: Tim Ryan says terrorists at Guantanamo Bay 'get better healthcare' than migrant children at US border

Comments made as images show migrant father and daughter drowned in Rio Grande

Congressman Tim Ryan has claimed “terrorists at Guantanamo Bay“ receive better healthcare than migrant children trying to enter the US.

On a day when the world was gripped by horrendous photographs of a father and his young daughter having drowned in the Rio Grande as they tried to enter the country from Mexico, Mr Ryan said the Trump administration’s priorities were wrong.

Not only was Mr Trump failing children such as 23-month-old Valeria Ramírez, and her father, Alberto Martínez Ramírez, 26, but also the youngsters being held in detention centres while their cases for asylum, or deportation were dealt with.

This week, at least 300 children were removed from a border patrol agency facility near El Paso, Texas, where conditions were found to be “appalling” and potentially dangerous.

“We have kids laying in their own snot with three-week-old diapers that haven’t been changed. We need to tell the president that is not a sign of strength. That is a sign of weakness,” said Mr Ryan.

“If you go to Guantanamo Bay, there are terrorists that are held that get better health care than those kids that have tried to cross the border into the United States.”

Other Democrats weighed in on the issue of immigration

Democratic presidential candidates Amy Klobuchar (L) and Tulsi Gabbad (R) (AP)

Former Obama administration official Julián Castro, who is pushing a plan that would decriminalise all border crossings and make them a civil offence, attacked congressman Beto O’Rourke, who does not support the plan because of concerns over violent offenders coming across the borders.

Mr Castro said: “I just think it’s a mistake, Beto. I think it’s a mistake. I think if you truly want to change the system, that we got to repeal that section.”

Mr O’Rourke replied: “Let me respond to this very briefly. As a member of Congress, I helped to introduce legislation that would ensure we don’t criminalise those seeking asylum. If you are fleeing desperation, I want to make sure you are treated with respect.”

Mr O’Rourke added: “People I’m talking about – we’re talking about millions of folks. A lot of folks that are coming are not seeking asylum.”