Schakowsky Statment on Gitmo Detainees in Illinois

WASHINGTON, DC (November 14, 2009) -- Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-IL, released the following statement in response to proposals that Guantanamo Bay deatainees will be relocatoted to a prison in Illinois.


"The Guantanamo Bay facility is a recruiting tool for Al Queda and a mark against the morals of the United States. In closing 'Gitmo' and moving some detainees to Illinois, we strengthen our national security, create thousands of jobs, and bring long overdue justice to those who have committed atrocities against the United States. Our American criminal justice and penal systems are fuIly capable of handling these individuals. In fact, today there are 340 domestic and international terrorists in U.S. prisons, including 35 in Illinois. Republicans like Mark Kirk are simply pandering to irrational fears and insulting U.S. law enforcement professionals who are charged with keeping our country safe and criminals behind bars....