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Clinton Residents Could Neighbor Gitmo Detainees
THOMPSON, IL - A proposal to move some 250 Guantanamo Bay inmates to Northwest Illinois stems from President Obama's order last January to close the prison in Cuba.
The U.S. is considering moving the prisoners to a nearly empty prison northwest of Thomson, Illinois. The maximum security prison sits along the Mississippi River just north of Clinton. While some Democratic lawmakers in Illinois applaud the idea, some Republicans oppose it. "The terrorism threats to Gitmo, and the people who become terrorists because of Gitmo, that hatred and animosity will also transfer to northwest Illinois," said Rep. Don Manzullo, (R)-Illinois. Local leaders say the economy there is in desperate need of a boost. But the key question is will it be safe. Officials from the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Defense took a close look at what this prison has to offer. Thomson Correctional Center has been sitting empty since it was first built in 2001. Federal leaders say if the detainees move here, it could mean up to three thousand jobs for this area, including local hires. But safety is the number one concern. The Department of Defense says it would add more security, including an additional perimeter around the prison. Also, detainees would not be allowed visits from friends or family. As of now, there is no timeline on when a decision would be made. Local officials say they will weight the pros and cons. "I think it's going to be good for the economy. I think Illinois and this area has suffered. I believe this is going to be a shot in the arm and I think that further down the line, people will understand that," said Jo Daviess County Sheriff Leo Hefel. Either way, Thomson is not the only prison federal officials are considering. They will visit prisons in Colorado and Montana. More Good Stuff |
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