Gitmo debate goes to heartland: Illinois prison to house as many as 100 terrorism detainees

Washington Times ^ | 12/16/2009 | Matthew Mosk

[markomalley]

Critics warned Tuesday that a White House plan to move as many as 100 terrorism suspects from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility to a prison in Illinois could create a new security risk in the American heartland, but the Obama administration dismissed the concerns as "scare tactics and hyperbole."

The announcement that the federal government would purchase the underused prison complex in Thomson, Ill., opened a new chapter in the debate over the future of scores of detainees who have been confined in legal limbo.

Administration officials said the purchase of the prison, which was built in 2001 for $145 million, would resolve the most vexing political question surrounding President Obama's pledge to shut down the detention facility at U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba - finding a secure place to put the world's most dangerous terrorists.

"This will be the most secure facility of all time," said Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said it was important to "separate what might be legitimate concern with what is nothing more than scare tactics and hyperbole that we haven't seen in quite some time, even in a glorious town like Washington."

(snip)

Mr. Quinn estimated that once the federal government purchases the prison from the state, a transaction that has yet to be negotiated, roughly 1,500 federal inmates would be housed there and about 100 terrorism suspects would be segregated in a separate wing that would be overseen by military guards.

[markomalley]

Since they are not formally classed as EPWs, the minute they set foot on US soil, these men will unquestionably have the full set of Constitutional rights (a questionable concept right now) including this one: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, (Amendment V).

So, in other words, once they move these folks to Gitmo, it will be a matter of "charge or walk."

And then, once they are charged, In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial (Amendment VI)

Beautiful, just beautiful.

[Haiku Guy]

Obama takes gaffes
And raises them to doctrine.
He is never wrong.

[gov_bean_ counter]

Following the money again. US Gov pays way too much for the property and Obie recommends Congress fund the prison at a cost that far exceeds the actual cost. And does it in the form of a direct grant to the state.

Al Capone would be proud.

[Hacksaw]

Old "Smokin' Dick" Durbin was on the news stating how wonderful this will be.

[GRRRRR]

G’Bye Gitmo...

Hello I’llmo...

So, having a NEW place with 100 terrorists will make us safer now that Gitmo is closed??

The QUALITY of Obozo’s Stupidity is excellent.

[keats5]

Prepare for suicide bombings in Illinois.

[keats5]

Yes, exactly. This is all about rewarding political allies. Obama has a lot of nerve calling the Bush administration corrupt.

[Condor51]

"This will be the most secure facility of all time," said Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said it was important to "separate what might be legitimate concern with what is nothing more than scare tactics and hyperbole that we haven't seen in quite some time, even in a glorious town like Washington."

What? Was this Open Mic night at the Comedy Club? These guys are a laugh riot! I just decide who's funnier.

...roughly 1,500 federal inmates would be housed there and about 100 terrorism suspects would be segregated in a separate wing that would be overseen by military guards.

Hmm... this could have an upside after all.

Try as they might with their 'segregation', in Prison an inmate or anyone can always 'be got to'₍₁₎₍₂₎. So I can just envision the Aryan Brotherhood getting their hands on Ahkmed & his Cohorts while they're in the shower, laundry or just passing each other in 'the yard'.

(1) years ago when 'Marion' was 'the most secure prison', two Guards were attacked and killed on the same day by the Aryan Brotherhood. That led to the ADX in Florence, CO being built.

(2)When John Gotti was at Marion, and in segregation - locked up 23/day, he was getting his butt kicked regularly. He wound up PAYING the Aryan Brotherhood $20,000 a month for 'protection'.

[FreeAtlanta]

It would be cheaper to just release them back in Afghanistan. Our guys will end up knocking off most of them over a few month period as the Gitmoers return to their chosen profession.

[strider44]

BARAKATRAZ

[6ppc]

On Fox News last night they said this would bring 3000 jobs to the town where the prison is located. Why would they need 3000 people to secure 100 prisoners? How much money is this costing?

While watching the story a tinfoil hat suddenly appeared on my head and I said to myself...self...they are creating a high security, extra constitutional detention (concentration) camp inside the borders of the United States! Who is to say they will only put foreign terrorists in that camp?

You can't justify this staffing level for only 100 prisoners.

[6ppc]

Ok...didn’t see the part about 1500 federal inmates in addition to the terrorists.

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

100 terrorism suspects would be segregated in a separate wing that would be overseen by military guards.

So what was the point of moving them from Gitmo other than Obama keeping a campaign promise based on lies? How does this correct the ACLU and Obama's accusation that the terrorists are being abused in Gitmo? I think he wants Gitmo Bay NAS closed to make it easier for him to surrender Gitmo to Castro. Nothing else makes sense.