Ohio Representative Tim Ryan met with Bethany Christian Services on Thursday to discuss care for unaccompanied and separated children and learn more about the organization's plan to reunite children with their families. 

Ryan was accompanied by Michigan Representatives Debbie Dingell, Bill Huizenga, and Dan Kildee to the meeting.

Ryan released the following statement in a press release post visit:

"What I saw today brought home all the conversations that have been had about this issue so far. I wish every American could see these kids and hear their stories. It's gut-wrenching. Children are traveling by themselves or with their loved ones to avoid violence and danger in their country, and they fled to the United States to find safety and security. They are doing what any responsible parent would do. But when they arrive at our border, the Trump Administration turns its back on our values and rips children away from their parents – with zero plan to bring them back together. This is state-sponsored abuse. From its founding, America has always been a country of immigrants. Men, women, and children came to our shores to avoid war and famine, economic scarcity, and religious persecution. They came from every corner of the world, with different backgrounds, skills, and challenges. Woven together, these differences helped strengthen our nation and make it what it is today. We should not turn our backs on the history and values that made us who we are."