U.S. to announce transfer of detainees to Ill. prison

U.S. to announce transfer of detainees to Ill. prison: "CHICAGO -- Dozens of terrorism suspects being held at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, will be moved to a little-used Illinois state prison that will be acquired and upgraded by the federal government, an Obama administration official said.

The critical step toward fulfilling President Obama's pledge to shut the Guantanamo detention center will be announced Tuesday, said the official, who reported that Obama has ordered the acquisition of the eight-year-old Thomson Correctional Center, about 150 miles northwest of Chicago.

Obama made the move despite the objections of Illinois Republicans, who fear the transfer of prisoners -- some for indefinite detention, some for trial -- could make the state a target for terrorists. Rep. Mark Kirk has called the move 'an unnecessary risk.'

In telegraphing the announcement, the official said closing the detention center at Guantanamo Bay 'is essential to protecting our national security and helping our troops by removing a deadly recruiting tool from the hands of al- Qaeda.'"

And this is going to make the United States safer HOW?~~~ The Munz