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IL Congressman Against Thomson Sale
Some Illinois lawmakers are not supportive of selling Thomson Prison to the federal government to house Guantanamo Bay detainees.

Congressman Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park), says he believes moving Gitmo detainees to Illinois will make the state a greater threat for terrorist attacks. Kirk has lobbied other officials to contact the White House in opposition to using the facility.

He says there are still many unanswered questions including the legality of holding military tribunals at the facility and keeping detainees indefinitely.

Officials have said military tribunals for potential detainees would be held at Thomson. They also said that the facility could house detainees whom the president determines must be held indefinitely but can't be tried.

Gov. Pat Quinn dismissed safety concerns, promising that the Thomson facility would be "the most secure prison of all time."

Officials say the Thomson facility will receive upgrades that take it beyond the security level at any current U.S. prison, including the nation's only "supermax" facility in Florence, Colorado. Already built to maximum security standards, the 146-acre Thomson facility will receive more upgrades from the Defense Department including additional fencing and other security technology.

(Illinois Radio Network)
12 16 09 by Newsroom
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